Students from the Notre Dame University (NDU) in Cotabato City pledge to not smoke or use any tobacco products during the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) awareness campaign against smoking and vaping on June 27, 2024. (Michael Camsa/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Student leaders from various tertiary and secondary institutions participated in a forum on June 27, aimed at promoting a smoke-free environment and a healthy Bangsamoro region.
The event, in observance of No Smoking Awareness Month, was spearheaded by the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Department of Health, and the Cotabato City Regional and Medical Center (CRMC).
Dr. Benedict Zapanta and Dr. Adlyn Bea Bernaldez from CRMC’s Department of Family and Community Medicine discussed several topics on the harmful effects of smoking and vaping.
Dr. Zapanta highlighted the presence of nicotine, an addictive substance in cigarettes and other tobacco products, which often leads to harmful health effects for smokers.
“One cigarette stick contains 1 milligram (mg) of nicotine. Studies show that consuming 5-10 mg per day is considered addictive,” he explained.
“The effects of tobacco smoke on the circulatory system include increased blood pressure and heart rate, constriction of blood vessels in the skin leading to decreased skin temperature, reduced oxygen carried by the blood during exercise, and stickier blood which clots more easily,” he detailed.
He also noted that smoking can cause bad breath, heart attack, dental caries, lung cancer, and even death.
Dr. Bernaldez shared findings from the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, which revealed that 1 in 7 Filipino students aged 13-15 years use e-cigarettes, indicating that many youths start vaping at a very young age.
“Vapes still contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals. E-cigarettes are addictive and are marketed towards the youth,” she emphasized.
Gabriel Thomas Uson, President of the Supreme Secondary Learning Government (SSLG) at Notre Dame University – Junior High School, acknowledged the challenge of combating smoking and vaping among his peers.
“Despite knowing the harmful effects, youth continue to indulge in these vices. This forum enhances our skills and provides more discussion and empowerment to continue our advocacy,” he said.
MOH Minister Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr. reiterated the harmful effects of smoking, not only on one’s health but also on others as secondhand smokers, which he described as ‘more dangerous.’
“Smoking does not provide any benefits; from economic, environmental, physical, to medical aspects,” he stated.
“To our loved ones, we (smokers) pose dangers to them. We ask for help from our youth, doctors, specialists, and health workers to support the no-smoking campaign through awareness and active participation,” he stressed.
The month of June was declared National No Smoking Month by Proclamation No. 183, signed in May 1993 under then-President Fidel V. Ramos. (Datu Norhamidin Mamasainged/BIO)