ILOILO — Fearing that Western Visayas could become a vaping hotspot with youth use spiking despite existing restrictions, the Department of Health (DOH) is intensifying its call for a total nationwide ban on electronic cigarettes.
Regional health officials warned that flavored vapes, aggressive online marketing, and weak enforcement in some localities are fueling a surge in nicotine addiction among minors in the region.
While the national DOH pushes for an outright ban, DOH Region 6 says Western Visayas may be reaching a critical point, with cases of youth experimenting with or regularly using vapes being reported in Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Negros Occidental.
Vape products targeting the youth
Dr. Fritzi Ann Suzette Jeroso-Dequito of DOH-6 said vaping companies continue to exploit flavors, attractive packaging, and social media campaigns that appeal to teenagers.
“National Policies such as Republic Act 9211 and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control are crucial in our fight against vaping. Many LGUs (local government units) have successfully adopted Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinances, with cities like Iloilo and Roxas forming Smoke-Free Task Forces that monitor compliance in public spaces,” she said.
She stressed that Western Visayas LGUs are already feeling the weight of the problem. “Community-based informational campaigns in schools and barangays… illustrate that when education, policy, and enforcement converge, tangible change is achieved.”
At highest risk
DOH-6 Nurse V John Richard Lapascua warned that vaping has become an emerging health threat affecting school-aged children in Western Visayas.
“Smoking and vaping cause significant harm, not just to users but also to those around them… Smoking continues to be a leading contributor to preventable deaths in the Philippines, heightening the risk of chronic diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke,” he said.
With Western Visayas reporting thousands of respiratory and heart-related illnesses annually, health officials fear the region’s youth could become the next wave of long-term patients.
Lapascua added, “Secondhand smoke poses severe health risks, especially to vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.”
Regional enforcement varies
While Smoke-Free Task Forces in Iloilo City, Roxas City, and several “Hall of Fame” municipalities maintain 100% smoke-free environments, DOH-6 acknowledged that some towns in the region still struggle with enforcement, allowing vape shops and sellers to operate near schools and transport terminals.
The regional office has urged LGUs to crack down harder on unregulated vape sales, particularly those selling to minors.
Vape-related health cases
According to DOH-6, more adolescents are experiencing symptoms tied to vape use, including:
* severe coughing
* chest tightness
* shortness of breath
* signs of early nicotine dependence
The regional office reiterated that scientific evidence shows vapes can cause EVALI, “popcorn lung,” heart problems, and long-term addiction.
Region 6 LGUs to be honored
Several Western Visayas municipalities will be recognized this year as Hall of Fame Awardees for maintaining smoke-free environments for three consecutive years. These include standout LGUs in Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo Province.
But DOH-6 warns that these successes must not overshadow the vulnerability of other towns where vape penetration remains high.
Regional health officials say Western Visayas’ situation strengthens the case for an outright national vape ban, citing the region’s increasing youth exposure and the aggressive tactics of vape companies.
“The DOH implements the National Tobacco Control Program along with our partners,” Jeroso-Dequito said. “Policy support, education campaigns, and access to cessation services” remain the backbone of the fight.
The agency continues to promote the Quitline 1558 and the WHO-backed MPOWER strategy — but maintains that only a national ban can stem the tide of youth addiction./PN
