Baguio City Tackles Vape Use Among Students
The Baguio City government’s Health Services Office (HSO) is urging schools to support efforts to curb vape use among students by confiscating vaping devices. This initiative aims to protect youth from lung disorders linked to vaping.
“We are collaborating with universities in curbing vaping. We hope that universities continue to do this to avoid exposing the students to unnecessary lung disorders because of vape,” said Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, city health officer, during the Lung Summit Medical Mission held recently.
Health Risks and Community Efforts
The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) hosted the Lung Summit Medical Mission at the President Fidel Valdez Ramos gymnasium. Despite a significant drop in cigarette smoking—from 35.4% in 2014 to 13.1% today—many smokers have shifted to vaping, according to local health authorities.
Dr. Brillantes explained that the nicotine in a single vape is equivalent to 2.5 packs of cigarettes. Moreover, vape fluids contain hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde and toluene, which pose serious health risks.
Authorities are also working with government agencies managing social media platforms to limit the online sale and advertisement of vape products. “It is very important that we get their cooperation. We in the grassroots are doing extra effort but we are hard up with other factors such as online advertisement and selling. Selling of vapes in shops is prohibited but we hope they help us regulate and remove such items online so that it does not become accessible,” Brillantes added.
Medical Mission Supports Lung Health
Pulmonologist Dr. Louella De Leon from the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) and ACCP member highlighted that lung cancer remains among the leading causes of death in the city. She noted that the medical mission, though small, provides essential services including free consultations, pulmonary function tests, X-rays, and medications to over 250 individuals of varying ages.
“This medical mission is a small move but it will help because the act does not stop here to address the problem. We give quality medicines, we refer the patients to the doctor for continuous medication,” Dr. De Leon said.
Enforcement Actions Against Illegal Vape Sales
Meanwhile, the Smoke-Free Task Force recently confiscated vape pods and batteries valued at approximately P600,000 from a social media influencer in an operation conducted on June 5. The influencer had posted on Facebook, seeking vape retailers in Baguio, La Trinidad, and Benguet, which violated the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance and Republic Act 11900.
The task force coordinated with the Baguio City Police Office’s City Intelligence Unit and the Environmental Health and Sanitation Division to set up a sting operation. They contacted the number listed in the post and arranged a meeting, which led to the issuance of a citation ticket and confiscation of illegal vape products.
Violators were reminded to promptly settle their fines. Authorities confirmed that there are no licensed vape shops or sellers legally operating within Baguio City.
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