The Department of Health in the Davao Region (DOH-Davao) is spearheading a renewed and urgent call for more robust anti-smoking measures across the region. This initiative aims to mitigate the severe long-term health consequences of tobacco-related diseases through enhanced collaboration and public engagement.
Alarming Data and Proposed Solutions
The call to action was formally made by Rosemarie Basañes, the Regional Tobacco Control Program manager for DOH-Davao, during a recent consultative meeting. The gathering, which involved member agencies of the Regional Tobacco Control Network (RTCN), was held at a hotel in Davao City on November 08, 2025.
Basañes presented concerning nationwide statistics showing a worrying increase in the number of tobacco users aged 15 years and older. In response, she outlined a series of concrete recommendations to fortify the region's anti-smoking measures. Key proposals include the enactment of local ordinances to create larger buffer zones around areas where tobacco is sold.
Other critical strategies presented were:
- Developing regulatory training modules for tobacco distributors and sellers.
- Prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products, which often appeal to younger audiences.
- Banning the sale of single-stick cigarettes to reduce affordability and accessibility.
- Restricting access to tobacco products through vending machines.
Collaboration is Key to Success
Basañes placed significant emphasis on the power of partnership. She stressed that sharing successful programs and replicable practices among all stakeholders is vital for improving the implementation of tobacco control policies, cessation programs, and public awareness campaigns.
She reiterated that the success of the entire Regional Tobacco Control Network hinges on two main pillars: strong interagency collaboration and active community participation. Only through a united front can the region effectively work towards lowering smoking rates and protecting communities from the dangers of tobacco.
During the meeting, Basañes also presented the National Tobacco Prevention and Control Strategy 2030. This national framework specifically targets the reduction of non-communicable diseases that are linked to the use of traditional tobacco, heated tobacco, and vapor products.
The DOH-Davao leads the RTCN in the region, a network composed of local government units (LGUs), various national government agencies, and civil society organizations all dedicated to addressing pressing health concerns.
