THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region together with the Commission on Higher Education – Region 1, Department of Education – Region 1 and the Philippine College of Chest Physicians Northwestern Luzon Chapter pushed for an extensive health literacy campaign to raise awareness on the dangers of smoking and vaping for students during a Memorandum of Agreement signed on July 12, 2025 in Bauang, La Union.
“This collaborative action will provide the necessary education for students to become aware on the harmful effects of vaping and smoking. Because schools are at the front lines for identifying and supporting students who are struggling with nicotine addiction or at risk of starting, they should get their proper information through their teachers,” Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco stated.
“Proper information and fostering partnerships with stakeholders including parents and community organizations can prevent vaping and smoking. Marami na sa ating mga kabataan ang lulong sa bisyong ito and it has already become a fad among our youths that is why we need to combat the deceitful marketing strategy of vape and tobacco industry to prevent this.”
“Magkakaroon sila ng comprehensive anti-vaping education programs, clear and enforced policies, at mabibigyan natin ng proper treatment ang mga students that are struggling with smoking addiction or peer pressure,” she added.
In the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey of the World Health Organization, there is an increasing number of tobacco and e-cigarettes usage among the youth with 809,677 or 12.7 percent used tobacco products while 913,316 or 14.1 percent used vape or e-cigarettes.
The DOH through its anti-tobacco health campaigns continuous to warn the public that the use of vape results in e-cigarette or vapor product-associated lung injury (EVALI), nicotine addiction, which eventually leads to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Sydiongco also reminded the public that we have already recorded the first EVALI-related death in the country, a 22-year-old male with no history of health issues but with a two-year daily vaping habit, who suffered a fatal heart attack, following a severe lung injury.
Tobacco smoking remains one of the leading—but preventable—causes of death nationwide, as stated in the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Survey.
The DOH is continuously pushing for vape and tobacco-free schools in the country with the help of other government agencies, civil societies, and the youth.
Participants during the event also signed a manifesto fostering collaboration, for a unified and effective approach in safeguarding the health and empowering the youth in preventing vaping and smoking, which will eventually lead to a healthier and brighter future.
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