COTABATO CITY — The City Government of Cotabato, through the City Health Office (CHO) under Dr. Harris Ali, welcomed the Department of Health (DOH) National Validators for the 2025 National Red Orchid Award Validation held at the People’s Palace on Monday, October 27, 2025.

The National Red Orchid Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions given by the Department of Health (DOH) to local government units, government offices, and hospitals that have successfully implemented a 100% Tobacco-Free Environment Program.

During the validation, DOH representatives evaluated the city’s compliance with the MPOWER strategy — which includes Monitoring tobacco use, Protecting people from tobacco smoke, Offering help to quit, Warning about the dangers of tobacco, Enforcing bans on advertising, and Raising taxes on tobacco products.

Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao, together with Vice Mayor Sultan Johair S. Madag, expressed full support for the city’s continued efforts to maintain a tobacco-free community.

The City Health Office, along with other partner agencies and local offices, presented their accomplishments, best practices, and ongoing advocacy programs promoting a smoke-free Cotabato City.

The validation marks another milestone in the city’s journey toward a healthier and more sustainable environment — in line with its vision of a Smoke-Free, Healthy, and Progressive Cotabato City.