DepEd urged to intensify campaign vs. vaping in Antique

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Antique provincial board has requested the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Antique to intensify its awareness campaign against the health hazards and other ill effects of vaping and e-cigarettes.

“Vape or e-cigarette companies have strategically targeted the youth and turned into manufacturing mint and fruit-flavored vape juices,” said Board Member Rony Molina, who sponsored a resolution calling for an intensified campaign during their regular session on Monday.

Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act does not per se prohibit vaping or e-cigarettes as it merely regulates the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use, and communication of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products, he said.

He added that while vaping is often offered as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking, in reality, it also causes health problems.

“Be reminded that educational institutions play a vital and active role in protecting the students and molding them into better versions of themselves,” Molina said.

In a separate interview with Dr. Hellarose Mendoza-Elisterio of the Antique Medical Society (AMS) and of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP)-Northwest Panay Chapter, she said electronic cigarettes or vape just like tobacco smoking could cause cancer, cardiovascular diseases and even death.

“Vape is enticing for it has several flavors and have a trendy look, but then it could cause addiction,” she said.

She said that most of those who are into tobacco smoking started using vaping even at an early age or during high school. (PNA)