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SORSOGON, Bicol Region — The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Gubat, Sorsogon, Parents Against Vape (PAV), youth representatives, parents, and various sectors of the community came together in the “Community MPOWERment on Tobacco Control: Capacity Building Seminar on Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment” held on February 19, 2026, at the Municipal Compound of Gubat.
The activity aims to strengthen the capacity of the LGU, barangay officials, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), parents, and community leaders to support the passage and effective implementation of the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Ordinance in Gubat, alongside the call for stronger policies at the national level.
In his message, Mayor Ronel “Nono” Lim expressed his support for the collective advocacy for stronger public health protection.
“Bilang Lokal na Pamahalaan, nakikiisa kami sa panawagan na mas palakasin ang smoke-free at vape-free policies na nagpo-protekta sa kalusugan ng ating mamamayan, lalo na ng kabataan. Bilang mga lider, napakahalaga na pinapakinggan natin ang boses ng publiko at naipaparating ang kanilang mensahe hindi lang sa lokal na antas kundi maging sa ating mga pambansang mambabatas, upang patuloy silang makinig at kumilos para sa mga polisiyang tunay na naglalagay sa kalusugan ng mamamayan sa unahan,” Lim . (“As a Local Government Unit, we stand with the call to further strengthen smoke-free and vape-free policies that protect the health of our people, especially the youth. As leaders, it is very important that we listen to the voice of the public and convey their message not only at the local level but also to our national lawmakers, so that they continue to listen and act on policies that truly put public health first.”)
According to Alexis James Has, president of the SK Federation–Gubat, the proposed Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Ordinance of Gubat is not only a local initiative but also a symbol of the broader call of the youth.
PAV, other advocates intensify fight vs. vape
“Ang proposed ordinance para sa Gubat ay demand at panawagan ng mga kabataan. Simbolo rin ito ng aming panawagan sa ating national government na mas palakasin ang implementasyon ng mga polisiya at tiyaking sapat ang proteksyon laban sa ‘vapedemic’,” said Has. (“The proposed ordinance for Gubat is a demand and a call from the youth. It also symbolizes our call to the national government to strengthen the implementation of policies and ensure adequate protection against the ‘vapedemic’.”)
The Smoke-Free Baguio team, led by Dr. Donnabel Panes, Daryl Kim Longid, and Atty. Hannah Calitong, shared their legal, policy, and enforcement best practices that have been key to the successful implementation of smoke-free policies in Baguio City.
“Handa kaming umagapay sa mga LGU at magbahagi ng aming experiences and lessons learned kung paano namin ipinatupad ang mga smoke-free policies sa Baguio City. Pero higit sa lahat, hinihikayat namin ang mga LGU leaders, communities, parents, at youth na maging advocates at aktibong tagapagtanggol ng kalusugan sa kanilang mga lugar — makibahagi at makiisa,” said Dr. Panes, Longid, at Calitong. (“We are ready to support LGUs and share our experiences and lessons learned on how we implemented smoke-free policies in Baguio City. More importantly, we encourage LGU leaders, communities, parents, and youth to become advocates and active defenders of health in their respective areas — take part and stand together.”)
For Judy Delos Reyes, project leader of PAV, tobacco control policies carry deeper meaning.
“Ang mga polisiya na nagpoprotekta sa kabataan ay hindi lang tungkol sa kanilang kalusugan — ito ay tungkol din sa pag-protekta sa kanilang mga pangarap. Kapag may malinaw at matibay na smoke-free at vape-free policies, mas nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon ang kabataan na lumaki sa ligtas at suportadong komunidad,” ani Delos Reyes. (“Policies that protect the youth are not only about their health -they are also about protecting their dreams. When there are clear and strong smoke-free and vape-free policies, young people have greater opportunities to grow in safe and supportive communities.”)
As part of the continuing campaign against smoking and vaping, PAV also continues to conduct similar activities in different towns in Sorsogon, including information sessions and community engagements in schools and barangays, to further strengthen the support of parents and communities in building healthier, smoke-free and vape-free communities.
PAV, together with its partner communities, reiterated the need to amend the vape law to: ban flavors that appeal to the youth, raise the minimum age of access to 21, strengthen the regulation of online sales and marketing, and return the primary regulatory authority over vape and other novel tobacco products to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (/)