The intensified campaign against smoking and vaping in communities and schools across Quezon City continues, led by Parents Against Vape Inc. (PAV), in partnership with the Schools Parents-Teachers Association (SPTA) Federation–District 2 and various schools in the city.

PAV conducted a series of Community MPOWERment Sessions on Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Communities, in collaboration with the officials and members of the School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA) Federation of District 2, Quezon City. The event brought together leaders from various schools to solidify collective action and enhance coordination for the robust protection of children against tobacco and vaping.

“Kapag nagkakaisa ang mga magulang at paaralan, mas nagiging matatag ang ating paninindigan para sa kaligtasan ng mga bata,” said Lanie Ternola, President of SPTA Federation-District 2.

As part of its community outreach efforts, PAV conducted the Community MPOWERment Awareness on the Harms of Smoking and Vaping at Doña Juana Elementary School in Barangay Holy Spirit and within the communities of Batasan Hills, Quezon City, in collaboration with parents and community leader.

The activities focus on deepening parents' knowledge about the dangers of smoking and vaping, and their vital role as the first line of defense for children against addiction

“Ang kaalaman ng mga magulang ang unang depensa ng ating mga anak laban sa vape at yosi, at hinihikayat namin ang lokal na pamahalaan na suportahan ang mga polisiyang magpapatibay sa kalusugan ng komunidad,” Agnes Aliparo, president of SPTA in Batasan Hills National High School.

As part of the school-based interventions, PAV also put up warning and reminder posters on the danger posed by tobacco and vape use in Bagong Silangan High School and at Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Senior High School.

Capacity building activities were also undertaken for SPTA officials and the Supreme Secondary Learner Government of the Holy Spirit National High School and Batasan Hills National High School.

Meanwhile, PAV also urged lawmakers to amend Republic Act 11900 or the Anti-Vape Law to urge for a stronger enforcement and protection mechanism for the youth.

The said law prohibits the sale, promotion, advertising, and product demonstration of tobacco, products, including vape, within 100 meters from school premises or other areas frequented by minors.

"Malinaw ang paninindigan ng PAV, walang puwang ang vape sa mga paaralan at komunidad kung saan dapat ligtas ang mga bata,” PAV President Rebie Relator said.

The 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey showed that one of every seven Filipino youth aged 13 to 15 is exposed to vaping.

Latest data from the Food and Nutrition Research also showed that 39.9% of those aged 10 to 19 are using e-cigarettes or vape.

The Global Burden of Disease study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation said 112, 000 deaths annually in the Philippines can be attributed to tobacco and vape usage.