The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, April 4, sounded the alarm over the increasing use of tobacco and vape products among Filipino adults.

“Nicotine addiction from tobacco products remains a critical public health challenge in the Philippines,” the DOH said in a statement.

Citing the 2023 National Nutrition Survey, the agency reported that tobacco and vape use among adults aged 20 to 59 jumped from 19 percent in 2021 to 24.4 percent. 

The health department described the trend as alarming, especially given the wide range of health risks associated with these products.

“Tobacco use is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases,” the DOH said. 

As such, it noted that heart attacks, cancer, and strokes — the top three causes of death in the Philippines in 2023 and 2024 — are all linked to tobacco use, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The agency also warned of the other serious illnesses tied to smoking, including “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and harmful reproductive health effects.” 

Tobacco use, per the DOH, contributes to “certain eye disorders and immune system problems like rheumatoid arthritis.”

The rise in vape use was also flagged as a major concern, with the DOH stressing that these products are not safer alternatives.

“Vapes and vapor products pose significant health risks including e-cigarette or vapor product associated lung injury (EVALI), nicotine addiction, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, among others,” the health department stated.

With this, the DOH urged the public to quit and seek support through its smoking cessation services. 

“The DOH also urges users of tobacco and vape products to make use of its quitline (1558) and other smoking cessation services,” it said.

The health department maintained its position against any collaboration with the tobacco industry. 

“The DOH continues to refuse and reject all proposed donations by the tobacco industry, whether to its officials or the agency or its units,” it added.

Earlier, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa was criticized after appearing in a photo with executives of a tobacco company, drawing backlash from health advocates and anti-tobacco groups.