BAGUIO CITY — The City Health Services Office—Smoke-Free Baguio City held a ceremonial destruction and disposal of cigarettes, vapes and cigarette-related products, dubbed as “UNWANTED,” at Malcolm Square Thursday afternoon.
According to the Baguio Youth Development Council, the confiscated items, which included products seized from the previous year, had an estimated value of over 6 million pesos. Among the items destroyed were cigarette-like candies, which have been criticized for promoting smoking among children.
The confiscated items will be disposed of in accordance with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) guidelines for handling hazardous waste.
“We should stop using vape, we should stop bringing vape to the public, and ultimately actually not using the vape at all,” emphasized Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, head of the City Health Services Office (CHSO). She stated that the event aligns with City Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017, also known as the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance, which prohibits the use, sale, distribution, and advertising of tobacco products in all public areas.
Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, chairperson of the Committee on Health and Sanitation, underscored the significance of the event, reminding attendees of the harmful effects of smoking and vaping on both health and the environment.
The event was attended by Councilor John Rhey Mananeng, CHSO Medical Officer Donnabel Panes, Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) Chief Daryll Longid, along with representatives from the Smoke-Free Task Force, various educational institutions including the University of the Cordilleras, Saint Louis University, University of Baguio, and Pines City Colleges. Also in attendance were members from Transcend, the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, the Philippine Medical Association Baguio-Benguet, Parents Against Vape, and the Parents and Teachers Association, among others.
“As medical students, we understand the importance of setting a positive example. Our actions and commitments today will shape the health landscape of tomorrow,” remarked Diane Acosta, a member of the Future Physicians for Health and Human Rights (FPHHR), an organization of Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
Baguio City has been honored with its third consecutive Red Orchid Award from the Department of Health-CAR, achieving an impressive score of 91.66%. The Red Orchid Award is the highest recognition given by the DOH to government hospitals, offices, and local government units (LGUs) for their commitment to implementing a 100% tobacco-free environment, in accordance with the World Health Organization’s MPOWER Framework under the LGU category.
Penalties for tobacco-related offenses in the city include fines of P 2,000.00 for the first offense, P 3,000.00 for the second offense, and P 5,000.00 for the third offense, with potential business closure and imprisonment for repeat offenders. By J.M Rosario
