ILOILO City – As part of a wider campaign to curb the rise in nicotine addiction, particularly among the youth, the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas is intensifying its crackdown on smoking and vaping across government offices and public spaces.
In observance of National No Smoking Month this June, DOH Region 6 has launched a region-wide push for smoke-free and vape-free environments, anchored on Department Memorandum No. 2025-0195.
The directive enforces a total ban on the use of cigarettes, vapes, and related products in all DOH-owned buildings, vehicles, and premises.
It also bars promotion, advertisement, and sponsorship of tobacco and vaping products, including the display, charging, and visible carrying of such devices within DOH grounds.
Nicotine, the primary addictive substance in cigarettes and e-cigarettes, is a stimulant that affects the brain by releasing dopamine, which creates temporary feelings of pleasure.
However, it also increases heart rate and blood pressure, and prolonged use can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, respiratory issues, and impaired brain development in adolescents.
“Carbon monoxide, a dangerous substance found in vehicle exhaust fumes, is also present in cigarette smoke. For your safety and health, avoid smoking and vaping. Quit now and call the DOH Quitline at 1558 for the assistance you need,” DOH-6 said in a public statement.
The department also warned about arsenic — a toxic compound found in rat poison — being present in cigarette smoke, which can lead to cancer, organ damage, and long-term illness.
Nurse V John Richard Lapascua of the DOH-6 said creating and sustaining smoke-free workplaces protects employee health and productivity while reinforcing the government’s role as a model for wellness in the community.
The campaign also highlights the economic burden of smoking. At a minimum price of ₱78.58 per 20-stick pack of cigarettes — the equivalent of three cans of sardines, two kilos of rice, or 10 eggs — the DOH urged the public to make healthier, more affordable choices for their families.
DOH-6 is also focusing on protecting young people from the rising influence of flavored vapes and e-cigarettes. It is working closely with schools to ramp up awareness campaigns and promote preventive education.
June is officially designated as National No Smoking Month under Proclamation No. 183. The observance aligns with World No Tobacco Day on May 31, both of which aim to spotlight the preventable dangers of tobacco and promote a tobacco-free future./PN
