City taps youth as anti-smoking, anti-vaping advocates

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Legazpi City Health Office (LCHO) has trained a new group of student advocates to help discourage their peers from cigarette smoking and using vapes, as part of the city’s initiative for healthier, smoke-free communities.

Recently, students from Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation (MPCF) participated in a learning session focused on the health risks associated with smoking, vaping, and other tobacco products. This event is part of the city’s broader campaign aimed at reducing tobacco addiction among the youth.

“Our main purpose is to empower the youth to make healthier choices after learning about the ill effects of smoking,” said Portia Rogando, Legazpi’s smoke-free program coordinator.

“It’s in their hands how they will value their health, their family and their community,” she added.

Rogando explained that a single cigarette contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including carcinogens and nicotine, a highly addictive substance linked to stroke and heart disease.

Erlano Francisco Gacias, a policy and communication officer from Parents Against Vape, warned students about marketing strategies that target young users.

“Young people must understand the dangers of vaping, as they are the primary target of the tobacco industry,” Gacias noted, highlighting various flavors, appealing packaging, and portable designs as examples.

Parents Against Vape is a coalition of advocacy groups pushing for stronger regulation of e-cigarettes and similar products.

John, a first-year student at MPCF, shared that the session helped him grasp the consequences of smoking early on.

“This has been a big help for me. When I share what I know with other young people, I feel they listen more because we are of the same age,” he said.

Hershee Parreno, the officer-in-charge of Student Affairs and Services at MPCF, emphasized that providing students with accurate information about smoking and vaping helps them understand both the physical and mental health impacts.

Legazpi Assistant Legal Officer Raphaela Albor also discussed the city’s Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance, which prohibits smoking and vaping in public areas and places frequented by minors and vulnerable groups.

To date, the LCHO has conducted similar sessions in 22 schools across the city. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA5/Albay)