City health officials encourage youth to quit smoking on World No Tobacco Day
by Pauline Anne Basan | June 1, 2024
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — City officials called on the youth to quit smoking during the celebration of World No Tobacco Day 2024 at the Smoke-Free Park, City Hall Drive on Friday, May 31.
“This year’s observance of World No Tobacco Day, we would like to focus on addressing the rising use of tobacco and e-cigarettes among young people in the city especially that the increase in vaping rate has out phased the traditional tobacco use,” said Daryll Longid speaking in behalf of Mayor Benjamin Magalong during the opening remarks of the program.
With the theme “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,” Dr. Donnabel Panes, the City Tobacco Control coordinator, emphasized the importance of smoke-free programs for the youth.
“We challenge the SK, we will work with you closely dahil para sa inyo itong program na ito, para sa inyo ang World No Tobacco Day, protecting our children from tobacco industry,” Panes said.
According to her, the majority of vape users are from the age of 15 to 21.
On the other hand, Councilor and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President John Rhey Mananeng expressed concern about the accessibility of nicotine-based products in the city, resulting in a rising number of smokers in schools.
“We are already seeing this in our schools na marami na pong mga bata ang gumagamit especially in our public schools, in our high schools even in our elementary schools, naaaccess na po ito ng ating kabataan,” Mananeng explained.
“We are partnering with the parents of schools for us to ano na to maging strikto at mas maging pokus tayo on operation “kap-kap” para wala ng mga vape sa ating mga schools,” he added.
Panes also mentioned that on July 19, they will conduct vape cessation training among health workers to teach them how to properly counsel the youth who are vape users.
Aside from the talks, the event also includes plogging activities in different barangays and near the city hall grounds.
The city continues to implement the City Ordinance 34, series of 2017, or the Anti-Smoking Ordinance prohibiting the use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of tobacco products in all public spaces.
