In a united effort to tackle the growing prevalence of vaping and smoking among Filipino youth and adults, the Department of Health (DOH), alongside the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP), emphasized the challenges associated with quitting vaping compared to smoking, highlighting the addictive nature of vaping.

Dr. Glynna Ong-Ong Cabrera, adviser to the LCP's Smoking Cessation Program, stressed the importance of seeking professional help from smoking cessation clinics to effectively overcome vaping addiction.

“Huwag nating subukan pa na huminto lang on your own dahil malaki ang chance na hindi kayo magtagumpay (Let's not try to stop on your own because there is a big chance that you will not succeed),” she emphasized during the press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

In response to this pressing public health concern, the DOH, in collaboration with the LCP and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Philippines, launched the "Stop and Gain: A Quit and Win Tobacco Cessation Campaign."

The campaign targets former smokers and vapers nationwide, encouraging them to refrain from tobacco and nicotine use.

Dr. Maricar Limpin, Executive Director of ASH Philippines, praised the campaign as a transformative step in the nation's tobacco control efforts, empowering individuals to embrace a smoke-free lifestyle.

The DOH reported that the campaign attracted over 1,100 participants during its five-month duration.

14 percent of Filipino youth already using e-cigarettes

According to the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), one in seven Filipino youth aged 13 to 15, accounting for 14 percent, is already using e-cigarettes.

The GYTS revealed a concerning trend, with the number of e-cigarette users among Filipino youth aged 13 to 15 more than doubling from 11.7 percent in 2015 to 24.5 percent in 2019.

The DOH noted that the rise in e-cigarette use among Filipino youth indicates an increase in the number of teenagers who are now using vaporized products, even without a prior history of smoking or vaping.

Regarding Republic Act 11900, also known as the Vape Law, which lowered the minimum age for purchasing vape products from 21 to 18, Limpin emphasized the importance of investing in one's health and quitting smoking.

“Kasi kapag bata ka, hindi mo iniisip na magkakasakit ka, feeling nila mga Superman sila (Because when you're young, you don't think that you'll get sick; they feel like they're Superman),” she emphasized.

Limpin urged parents to instill anti-smoking and anti-vaping values early on.

Role of parental guidance

Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the crucial role of parental guidance in steering youth away from vices like smoking and vaping.

He advocated for open communication and intervention if parents suspect their children are vaping.

“If parents discover that their child is vaping, they should have a one-on-one talk and discuss thoroughly what can be done to help them quit vaping,” he said.

Tayag also mentioned that community regulations prohibiting vaping are of great help and invited those struggling to quit vaping to join season two of the "Stop and Gain: A Quit and Win Tobacco Cessation Campaign."

Addressing the online sale of vapes, Tayag acknowledged the challenges in regulating online markets, raising concerns about the proliferation of counterfeit products and fake drugs.

He issued a warning to sellers of vaping products, urging them to prioritize public health over profit.

Tayag emphasized the importance of community regulations and encouraged individuals to report illicit vape sales to the authorities.

As efforts intensify to curb vaping and smoking, the nation grapples with the urgent need to safeguard public health and promote healthier lifestyles.