Pasig city: The Department of Health (DOH) has partnered with the country's first Anti-Vape and Anti-Tobacco Student Council, marking a significant step in its youth-centered efforts to combat the rising use of tobacco and vape products among students. The initiative aims to empower students and raise awareness about the health risks associated with smoking and vaping.

According to Philippines News Agency, the council is composed of young advocates from Eusebio High School in Pasig City, where a health literacy campaign was conducted to highlight the dangers of smoking and vaping. The DOH noted that the student leaders of Eusebio High School have acknowledged knowing peers who smoke and vape, which has motivated them to counter the marketing strategies of the vape and tobacco industries.

The 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that approximately 809,677 or 12.5 percent of Filipino youth are tobacco users. This includes those who use heated tobacco products, cigars, cigarettes, and other forms. Additionally, 913,316 or 14.1 percent of Filipino youth are already using electronic cigarettes.

Tobacco smoking remains a leading preventable cause of death in the Philippines. The 2021 Global Burden of Disease Survey reported that 88,169 Filipinos died due to smoking in that year alone. In response, the DOH is advocating for vape and tobacco-free schools across the country, working alongside government agencies, civil societies, and the youth.

The DOH praised the efforts of the student council, emphasizing that student participation in health promotion enhances the effectiveness of anti-smoking campaigns.