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SORSOGON, Bicol Region, April 23, 2026 — Parents Against Vape (PAV), together with youth leaders from the Province of Sorsogon and with the support of the Provincial Youth Development Office, are strengthening their call for a total vape ban and smoke-free and vape-free local policies to protect children and young people from the harms of nicotine and emerging tobacco products.
“Through this initiative, we are empowering Sorsoganon youth to take action and protect their peers, while advancing policies toward a smoke-free and vape-free future,” said Judy Delos Reyes, project manager.
Through the TobaccOFF NOW! Film Festival: Sorsogon Film Screening, which gathered over 400 young leaders, learners, educators, and community stakeholders from various schools and municipalities, youth advocates are using storytelling to raise awareness and spark conversations on the risks of vaping among minors. Representatives from the Department of Education- Sorsogon City (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH) Bicol Center for Health Development (CHD), Sangguniang Kabataan, and the local council of Sorsogon also supported the event.
“As a young filmmaker, I believe storytelling is a powerful way to open conversations that matter. Through our film, we hope to raise awareness and remind fellow youth that our choices today shape our future, and that we all have a role in protecting our generation from the harms of nicotine addiction,” said Mark Rynell Mirabueno, director of the film Hangos.
PAV emphasized that the increasing accessibility and appeal of vape products pose serious risks to the health and future of young Filipinos, making youth protection a shared responsibility. The event also served as a platform to officially launch the partnership between PAV and the Provincial Youth Development Office of Sorsogon.
“At the Provincial Youth Development Office, we continue to support initiatives that aim to protect our youth. Together with various sectors, we stand committed to advancing actions and policies that will provide a smoke-free and vape-free future for every young Sorsoganon,” said Julius Edma, representing the youth sector.
The initiative reinforces both local and national calls for action—advancing smoke-free and vape-free local policies across Sorsogon, while supporting a total vape ban at the national level to protect children and youth from nicotine addiction and long-term health risks.
The TobaccOFF NOW! Film Festival Regional Premiere in Sorsogon was organized by PAV, in collaboration with Amber Studios, Provincial Youth Development Board of the Province of Sorsogon, Computer Communication Development Institute, and local stakeholders. This event was supported by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. (/)