The local government unit of Gubat, Sorsogon, along with Parents Against Vape, youth representatives, parents and other community sectors, gathered for the Community MPOWERment on Tobacco Control: Capacity Building Seminar on Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment on 19 February 2026 at the Gubat Municipal Compound.
The activity aimed to strengthen the capacity of the local government, barangay officials, Sangguniang Kabataan, parents and community leaders to support the passage and effective implementation of a smoke-free and vape-free ordinance in Gubat, alongside calls for stronger national policies.
Mayor Ronel “Nono” Lim expressed support for the collective advocacy for stronger public health protection.
“As a local government unit, we stand with the call to further strengthen smoke-free and vape-free policies that protect the health of our people, especially the youth. As leaders, it is very important that we listen to the voice of the public and convey their message not only at the local level but also to our national lawmakers, so that they continue to listen and act on policies that truly put public health first," Lim said.
Alexis James Has, president of the SK Federation–Gubat, said the proposed Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Ordinance reflects a broader call from the youth sector.
“The proposed ordinance for Gubat is a demand and a call from the youth. It also symbolizes our call to the national government to strengthen the implementation of policies and ensure adequate protection against the vapedemic," Has said.
Members of the Smoke-Free Baguio team — Dr. Donnabel Panes, Mr. Daryl Kim Longid and Atty. Hannah Calitong — shared legal, policy and enforcement best practices that they said contributed to the successful implementation of smoke-free policies in Baguio City.
“We are ready to support local government units and share our experiences and lessons learned on how we implemented smoke-free policies in Baguio City. More importantly, we encourage LGU leaders, communities, parents, and youth to become advocates and active defenders of health in their respective areas—take part and stand together," said Dr. Panes, Mr. Longid, at Atty. Calitong.
For Judy Delos Reyes, project leader of Parents Against Vape, tobacco control policies go beyond health concerns.
“Policies that protect the youth are not only about their health—they are also about protecting their dreams. When there are clear and strong smoke-free and vape-free policies, young people have greater opportunities to grow in safe and supportive communities."
As part of its continuing anti-smoking and anti-vaping campaign, Parents Against Vape said it will conduct similar activities in other towns in Sorsogon, including information sessions and community engagements in schools and barangays, to strengthen parental and community support for smoke-free and vape-free environments.
The group, together with partner communities, reiterated calls to amend the vape law by banning flavors that appeal to the youth, raising the minimum age of access to 21, strengthening regulation of online sales and marketing, and returning primary regulatory authority over vape and other novel tobacco products to the Food and Drug Administration.