Anti-vaping coalition rises in Davao City
DAVAO CITY (PIA)- An anti-vaping coalition from different sectors took root in Davao City, the first ever alliance of such kind in the country.
Parents Against Vapes combines several multi-sectoral groups which include Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, JCI Lakambini Davao, Philippine Society of Private Midwife Clinic Owners Inc. Health Justice Philippines, Federation of PTA in Region XI.
Atty. Santos Torreña president Fedaration of PTA (Parents Teachers Association) in Region XI said that the current promotion or branding of vape as a healthy alternative to smoking is misleading.
“According to U.S. statistics, there has been 42 cases of death with the reason of vaping. Additionally 2,172 illnesses are connected to the practice,” Torreña said in a statement released to the media.
Vaping is the use of a vaporizer which simulates smoking and its other behavioral aspects, it is also known as e-cigarettes. Users inhales aerosol known vapor, which is a vaporized form of a liquid known as vape juice.
“There is still nicotine in it. Nicotine is a harmful substance that could affect the brain of a human being. It is commonly known fact that a human brain is not full developed until the age of 25,” Torreña said.
According to a survey there is a 2.8% increase in e-cigarette usage annually in the Philippines out of these users statistics show that high school students are more prominent in using e-cigarettes than adults which alarmed parents.
Torrena said they are worried since vape juice can be bought like candy in a sari-sari store. He said the Davao City Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance also includes simulated cigarettes such as vapes as among banned to be used in public places and its sale to minors strictly prohibited.
In an event held on December 14 at Acacia Hotel in Davao City, various stakeholders of the anti-vape coalition signed a Parents Manifesto which supports President Duterte’s call to ban the use of e-cigarettes in public places nationwide.
The manifesto also calls on the banning of all flavors as this will entice children and youth to go vaping, restrict accessibility by ensuring that e-cigarettes are not promoted, advertised and sponsored. The coalition also called on to ban the sale of e-cigarettes in areas easily accessible to children and youth such as malls, convenience stores and online shops.
Among those who attended the Dec. 14 gathering was President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s partner and staunch health advocate Ms. Honeylet Avanceña who delivered a talk on protecting Filipino children against E-cigarettes, she also led the manifesto signing.
Desi Marie Lucas Subido of JCI Lakambini Davao, one of the partners in the coalition said that other launchings will be held in different parts of the country including key cities in Metro Manila. (PIA/RG Alama)
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