The City Government of Davao and the Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reminded Dabawenyos not to be lured by the appealing marketing strategy for nicotine products.
The warning was issued as the Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City entered its 23rd year, coinciding with the observance of the World No-Tobacco Day.
Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, in his speech read during the celebration, emphasized that health remains to be one of the priorities of the City Government of Davao, through the Vices regulation Unit and other partner agencies.
He said the implementation of Davao City’s Ordinance No. 0472-24 Series of 2024 or the Revised New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City continues to be strengthened.
He extended his gratitude to the lawmakers and law enforcers, and the entire Dabawenyo community for “your unwavering commitment in adapting and advocating for our city’s Anti-Smoking campaign-ensuring that a healthier, smoke-free future is attainable in Davao City.”
The mayor also emphasized that the city joins the celebration of the World No Tobacco Day, with this year’s theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing industry tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine products.”
“It is with hope that we continue to raise awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco and incite and advocate for our community to make healthier choices and work together to maintain a smoke free Davao City in the years to come,” the mayor added.
DOH XI Regional Tobacco Control Program Manager Ms. Rosemarie Basañes, RN, said that the World No Tobacco Day focuses on the use of the tobacco and nicotine industry of manipulative tactics.
“Actually this theme focuses on revealing how the tobacco and nicotine industry uses manipulative tactics, including appealing product designs, flavors and marketing that target the young people and mask the danger of their products, meaning naka-maskara. Abi nato nga ang pagpanigarilyo nakaayo sa atoang lawas (the products are masked in a way that shows smoking is beneficial to our body) but the truth is it can affect the health of those who are smoking, especially the people around the smokers,” Basañes said, adding that it is the second hand smokers that are at high risk.
She said that the tobacco industry employs strategies to make their products more convincing and appealing to young audiences. Most strategies include adding flavors and agents to change the smell, taste or appearance of the products that mask the “harshness of tobacco”.
She warned that these sophisticated designs, coolants and additives increase the likelihood of use and reduce the chance of quitting.
“So these tactics can contribute to early initiation of smoking with potential lifelong addiction and health consequences, ” Basañes said.
Basañes urged the LGU to put policy guidelines to counter the ill effects of tobacco in the face of the current situation.
She also hailed the City Government of Davao City’s VRU in its monitoring efforts.
VRU Head Hernando Q. Las told reporters that from January to April this year, they noted fewer apprehensions because of the increase in the penalty under the Anti-Smoking Ordinance to Php 3,000.
He said they have issued citation tickets totalling Php 5 million during the said period.
Under Section 9 of the Ordinance, smoking/ vaping any tobacco products, Electronic Device Systems, and even Shisha are not allowed in public places. CIO
