The local government of Malolos City, Bulacan launched the "Anti-Smoking Campaign" as part of the observance of National Oral Health Month on Monday, Feb. 19.
Launched through the initiative of the City Health Office-Dental Division (CHO-DD), the program aims to decrease the number of smokers in the city and spreads knowledge about the negative effects of smoking on overall health.
Dr. Sherlyn Reyes, Dentist II of the Dental Division, said a smoker could get different diseases and health problems like cancer, diabetes, stroke, bronchitis, emphysema, small veins damage, psoriasis, osteoporosis, stomach ulcer, cervical cancer, blackness of hands and feet, teeth and skin deterioration that will lead to death.
Discussed during the event were second-hand and third-hand smoking which are hazardous to children's health and the use vape which, based on studies, are more dangerous than cigarettes.
"Huwag nang manigarilyo at huwag mag-vape (Don't smoke and don't vape)," Dr. Reyes said.
Dr. Don Don A. Bautista, division chief, urged the community to spread the information shared in the discussion and to strengthen the Anti-Smoking Campaign in public places in the city.
Meanwhile, the Dental Division employees conducted free teeth cleaning for all attendees through Dr. Celia Evardome, RHU II Dentist, and Kristine Garcia, DMD, Dentist II.
Among the health officials who graced the event were Dr. Myra R. Cruz, rural health physician, Barangay Captain Michael Adriano of Brgy. Mojon, and City Information Officer Regemrei P. Bernardo.