Davao City cracks down on youth smoking and vaping with stricter rules

Davao City is stepping up efforts to combat smoking and vaping among its residents. The local government has intensified enforcement of its Anti-Smoking Ordinance while promoting free cessation services to encourage healthier habits. Youth aged 18 to 25 are a particular focus of these initiatives. The city has long marked National Non-Smoking Month each June since 2002. Recent data shows most tobacco-related apprehensions now involve vapes, prompting stricter monitoring of sales to minors and compliance with bans near schools.

The Vices Regulation Unit holds weekly sessions with barangays and community groups to explain the dangers of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping. Jalyn Pareja, a cessation counsellor, warns that vape devices and smokeless tobacco are not harmless alternatives to smoking.

Authorities also restrict tobacco advertising to designated points of sale only. The city’s Smoking Cessation Program provides free counselling and nicotine replacement therapy to help residents quit. Officials urge smokers, especially young people, to use these services and adopt better lifestyles. Protecting young people from nicotine addiction remains a top priority for Davao City. The combined efforts of enforcement, education, and free support aim to reduce smoking and vaping rates. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the available resources to quit.