Smoke-Free Policy at Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU)
Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) upholds a strong commitment to promoting the health and well-being of its academic community by enforcing a comprehensive Smoke-Free Policy across all its campuses. In accordance with Executive Order No. 26 and Republic Act No. 9211, EVSU officially declares all University facilities, grounds, and premises as strictly smoke-free environments, thereby prohibiting smoking and the use of tobacco products within the campus.
The university enforces a 100% smoke-free campus policy across all its campuses—Main and satellite—strictly prohibiting smoking, vaping, and the use of any tobacco or nicotine-delivery products within university premises, buildings, vehicles, and open spaces. This initiative forms part of EVSU’s broader health and environmental advocacy to protect students, employees, and visitors from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and to cultivate a culture of wellness and responsibility among the academic community.
This institutional policy is outlined in SECTION 289 of the University Code on the prohibition of smoking within the University premises and Chapter XVII Article 64 in the 2017 Revised Student’s Handbook on Smoke Free Environment. This particularly, aims to safeguard students, faculty, staff, and visitors from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke while cultivating a culture of wellness and responsible lifestyle choices. EVSU continuously works towards providing a clean, healthy, and conducive environment for teaching, learning, and campus life.
To ensure effective implementation, Smoke-Free Zone signage is visibly installed in strategic areas around the campuses. The policy is regularly disseminated through orientations, campus bulletins, social media announcements, and integration into student handbooks and faculty manuals. EVSU’s Health Services Unit, in partnership with the University Human Resource Management Office and Student Affairs and Services, oversees compliance monitoring and provides guidance and counseling for individuals seeking to quit smoking.
Moreover, EVSU integrates its smoke-free advocacy into various health and environmental campaigns, including campus wellness drives, environmental protection programs, and mental health initiatives. These efforts highlight the university’s proactive stance in aligning institutional health policies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
