Baguio City Strengthens Campaign Against Smoking and Vaping
Baguio City is intensifying its campaign against smoking and vaping by collaborating with a UK-based vlogger. The City Health Services Office (CHSO) has enlisted the help of “Donya Pidang Sayote,” a well-known Cordilleran nurse and social media personality, to amplify the local government’s efforts.
Dr. Donnabel Tubera-Panes, head of the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and focal person for the Smoke-Free Baguio program, shared that the vlogger, originally from Baguio, has agreed to support the advocacy free of charge while visiting the Philippines.
Donya Pidang Sayote: A Trusted Voice in Cordillera
“Donya Pidang Sayote” enjoys a strong following in Baguio City and Benguet due to his witty humor, relatable skits, and genuine connection with the Cordilleran community. According to local health officials, he is a registered nurse based in the United Kingdom, a non-smoker, and a devoted father to a one-year-old daughter.
Most of his content is delivered in Ilocano, which deeply resonates with audiences in Baguio and nearby towns. This makes him an ideal partner for the campaign targeting smoking and vaping awareness.
Addressing High Second-Hand Smoke Exposure
Officials reported that the collaboration aims to tackle Baguio’s significant problem of second-hand smoke exposure at home, as revealed by the 2023 Baguio Youth Tobacco Survey. Dr. Tubera-Panes emphasized that the vlogger’s content will maintain its original style but incorporate a campaign focus.
“His content will remain as it is, but with a campaign twist. We invited him because of his wide follower base in CAR,” she explained.
Local Influencer Adds Credibility to Health Campaign
Karl Pagada, CHSO Health Promotions Officer, noted that involving a local influencer who is also a health professional adds authenticity and trust to the message. The campaign’s core audience includes youth and parents, with additional emphasis on men’s health and prevention of non-communicable diseases through active mobility.
Supporting Local Health Advocacy While in the Philippines
Since arriving in the country in April, “Donya Pidang Sayote” has been managing family projects and exploring business opportunities. Community members appreciate his ongoing support for local health initiatives, particularly those focused on creating a smoke-free environment.
For more news and updates on smoking and vaping campaigns, visit Filipinokami.com.
