By Nimfa Estrellado Quezon Gov. Angelina Tan with participating health advocates during "Say No to Tobacco and Vape Smoke" advocac...
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| Quezon Gov. Angelina Tan with participating health advocates during "Say No to Tobacco and Vape Smoke" advocacy activity. (Photo from Gumaca LGU) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Together, Quezon's provincial government and the health sector are aiming to improve air quality across the province and promote a healthier lifestyle for its residents.
Because of this, on June 20, the provincial government held its "Say No to Tobacco and Vape Smoke" advocacy activity which gathered various stakeholders to raise awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and vaping.
What is wrong will never be right, according to Gov. Angelina Tan, and smoking in any form is harmful to one's health.
"I was already working with health activists to eradicate it even before I was in a government seat," she said.
The event included dissemination of information, interactive exhibits, and a pledge signing to support the Quezon province smoke-free campaign. The event featured health expert talks as well as testimonials from former smokers who have successfully quit smoking.
The goal of this activity, which was Tan's initiative, is to achieve a smoke-free province by raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco and vape smoke and encouraging people to quit smoking.
Tan believes that a smoke-free environment will not only improve the health of the people but also boost the local economy by reducing healthcare costs and increasing productivity.
The activity involved a series of talks, seminars, and workshops aimed at educating the public on the harmful effects of smoking and encouraging them to quit.
Furthermore, the government has implemented stricter regulations on tobacco and vape products to discourage their use and protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke.
These efforts have resulted in a significant decrease in smoking rates and a healthier environment for all residents.
According to Health Education and Promotion Officer II Evangeline Caidoy, the department believes that their advocacy will be successful because of the correct information they provide about the harmful effects of smoking on health and proper body care.
“We are very happy to be part of this campaign because we know that it is important for us to educate our community about the dangers of smoking,” she said.
Caidoy asserted that through these activities, they were able to reach out to a wider audience and encourage them to quit smoking or never start at all.
She also emphasized the importance of sustained efforts in promoting a smoke-free environment for everyone's health.
During this activity, the participating health advocates signed an agreement or Pledge of Commitment stating that they will continue to fight against tobacco and vape smoking, air pollution, and its negative effects on public health .
The Pledge of Commitment serves as a reminder that the fight against smoking and air pollution is a continuous effort that requires the cooperation and dedication of everyone in the community.
This activity was organized in collaboration with the Department of Health's Region IV-A in the province of Calabarzon and the Philippine College of Chest Physicians to commemorate National No Smoking Month (PCCO).
Every June, the country observes National No Smoking Month in accordance with Proclamation No. 183, issued in 1993 as a call to end the deadly habit of smoking.
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