By Mileyvonne Tiamzon

BAGUIO CITY — The City Health Services Office-Smoke Free Baguio City conducted a ceremonial destruction and disposal of cigarettes and vapes at Malcom Square on August 8.

The event aims to send a strong message to the people, especially the youth that the city remains committed to safeguarding lives and protecting them from the ill effects of tobacco products.

In her welcoming remarks, CHSO head Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes highlighted that the city is continuously working to eliminate smoking so that people will be free from any respiratory diseases in Baguio.

Committee on Health and Sanitation chairperson Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda reminded everyone to work together to make Baguio truly a Smoke-free city.

“Again, let us breathe Baguio, stop smoking, and stop vaping,” Councilor Tabanda added.

The 2M worth destroyed cigarettes and vapes have been confiscated by the Smoke-Free Task Force over the last years from schools and illegal vendors.

The unwanted items will be disposed properly according to the guidelines of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the disposal of hazardous waste.

In attendance also are Councilor John Rhey Mananeng, CHSO Medical Officer Donnabel Panes, Public Order and Safety Division chief Daryll Longid, representatives from the Smoke-free Task Force, educational institutions-University of the Cordilleras, Saint Louis University, University of Baguio, Pines City Colleges, Transcend, Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Philippine College of Chest Physicians, Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, Philippine Medical Association Baguio-Benguet, and Parents Against Vape, among others.

Photos by Neil Clark Ongchangco