17 hours ago
PH records 1 million new teen smokers, vapers in 2023
The Philippines recorded 1 million new smokers and vapers aged 10 to 19 years old in 2023, according to national survey — prompting youth advocates to launch a campaign calling out the tobacco industry's targeted marketing tactics.
The survey, 2023 National Nutrition Survey, of the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) noted that there are about over 8 million global tobacco-related death toll annually, and over 15 million adult smokers in the Philippines.
This was highlighted by the group, Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN) on Friday as it launched the "TobaccOFF NOW!" campaign, a youth-led national movement aimed at protecting Filipino adolescents from nicotine addiction.
The campaign seeks to expose the tobacco industry's use of flavored products, social media marketing, influencer partnerships, and attractive packaging to hook younger consumers — tactics that have contributed to a global tobacco-related death toll.
'Nang makausap natin ang mga kabataan, aware sila sa mga tactics ng industriya tulad ng sa flavors at packaging na appealing daw sa marami sa kanila. At willing silang sumama sa ating movement para protektahan ang kanilang kinabukasan,' said Jeannie Anne Maguad, PYDN Executive Director.
(When we spoke with young people, they were aware of the industry's tactics such as using flavors and packaging that appeal to them. And they're willing to join the movement to protect their future.)
Held at Park Inn Hotel in Quezon City, the launch event titled 'Taking Back Our Future' gathered young leaders, health advocates, and policy stakeholders to unveil the campaign created by and for the youth.
The initiative was developed through co-creation workshops held in Metro Manila, Oriental Mindoro, Iloilo, and Dinagat Islands from March to May 2025, with 126 youth participants. It was supported by an online survey involving 170 respondents nationwide.
'The TobaccOFF NOW! movement is a collective voice of the youth. This is the youth telling the tobacco industry that they are ready to take back their future,' said Vonn Vincent Tanchuan, the campaign's Communications Lead.
'It amplifies the voices of Filipino youth speaking directly to their peers, their parents and guardians, the policymakers, their schools and community, and even to businesses about the world they want to live in. This world strongly rejects the tobacco industry and its products.'
The campaign plans to reach 10 million young Filipinos and mobilize 10,000 youth advocates through digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as community-based activities and partnerships.
The campaign will run until January 2026.
The key policy goals include:
Raising the minimum legal age for all nicotine-based products to 21 years old;
Restricting distribution channels to prevent youth access;
Banning all flavored nicotine products;
Enforcing stricter bans on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship;
Increasing taxes on nicotine products.
'Bilang tagapagtanggol ng kabataang Pilipino, nais naming ang kampanyang ito ay maging daan tungo sa mas malusog na kinabukasan,' said Maguad.
(As advocates for the Filipino youth, we want this campaign to help shape a healthier future.)
The organizers urge communities, schools, and local governments to support efforts to combat the growing influence of the tobacco industry on the country's youth. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
