Cebu City is launching a major public information drive focused on schools and local communities to educate residents, especially young people, about the serious dangers of gambling. Mayor Nestor Archival announced this initiative following the recent approval of a city council resolution that prohibits all forms of gambling advertising within the city's jurisdiction.
City Council Takes a Stand with Sweeping Ad Ban
The decisive move began when City Councilor Joel Garganera authored a resolution, approved on December 16, 2025, that institutes a comprehensive ban on gambling promotions. The prohibition covers a wide array of advertising mediums, including:
- Billboards and posters
- LED screens and digital displays
- Printed materials like flyers and brochures
- Online advertisements and social media promotions
- Sponsored events and activations
The resolution explicitly aims to curb the social problems linked to gambling and stop its normalization among youth and low-income households, which are considered particularly vulnerable sectors.
Mayor Archival Unveils Education-Focused Strategy
In a press conference held on Monday, December 22, 2025, Mayor Nestor Archival detailed the city's proactive response. He emphasized that early education and widespread public awareness are the cornerstone strategies to prevent gambling addiction.
"First, in everything we do, we start at school," Archival stated, pointing to the city's past successes with community-based programs like anti-smoking campaigns. He stressed the critical influence of schools and parents in molding responsible behavior, noting that children are most receptive to guidance during their formative years.
Multi-Agency Enforcement and Implementation Challenges
The Mayor acknowledged that enforcing the advertisement ban presents significant challenges, especially in the online space where many platforms operate outside the city's direct control. He called for public cooperation and understanding to make the ordinance effective.
To create a robust defense against gambling promotion, Cebu City plans to employ a three-pronged approach combining education, community outreach, and strict ordinance enforcement. The goal is to systematically reduce exposure to gambling ads and shield at-risk groups.
Key city offices have been tasked with enforcement duties. The Business Process and Licensing Office, the Cebu City Police Office, and the City Legal Office are directed to actively monitor, identify, and remove any prohibited advertisements found within the city.
This combined strategy of cutting off promotional sources while actively educating the public, particularly the youth, represents Cebu City's holistic attempt to address the root causes and societal impacts of gambling addiction.
