The Provincial Health Office of Kalinga in partnership with Kalinga State University conducted a Live Band and on- the- Spot Poster Making Competition in support for the Kalinga Provincial Ordinance No. 2024-011 or the Comprehensive Smoke and Vape Free Ordinance of the Province of Kalinga.
The event, commenced today, November 19, 2024, at KSU Gymnasium, Bulanao Campus was participated by the Office of the Provincial Health Office, Saint Louis College of Bulanao (SLCB), International School of Asia and the Pacific (ISAP), Saint Tonis College, City Councilor, Atty. Ivan Yannick Bagayao, Hon. Juan Thomas Duyan, Lubuagan Councilor, Hon. John Jericho Odiem, Atty Danzel Michael Langkit, KSU Officials and Students.
Rock for health and art for life is an innovative campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and vaping while promoting a healthier lifestyle through the universal language of music and art.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Edward B. Tanding, Provincial Health Officer II, said that music is a universal language that connects us all. For the rock for health competition, the talented local bands use their musical talents to advocate for a smoke free future and each performance today is a powerful message against the harmful effects of smoking and vaping. While the arts for life competition showcases the creativity and passion of the young artist, highlighting the beauty and health that come with making positive choices.
City councilors, Hon. Ivan Yannick Bagayao and Hon. Juan Thomas Duyan together with Lubuagan Councilor, Hon. John Jericho Odiem and Atty. Danzel Michael Langkit, expressed their full support to this anti-smoking and vaping campaign. They explained that by organizing this event, the campaign seeks to engage young audiences in a dialogue about the danger of smoking and vaping.
“Through the robust implementation of this campaign and the active involvement of our youth, we aspire to achieve a tobacco-free province,” stated University President Dr. Joy Grace P. Doctor, as conveyed by Dr. Paulino Reyes II, Vice President for Administration and Finance, who represented her.
Ms. Geraldine G. Ulep, Provincial Nurse II, explained the rationale of the program and the importance of this campaign that tobacco is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and diabetes and these are all non-communicable diseases. She added that tobacco use is responsible for almost 6 million deaths each year, and half of tobacco users will die from a tobacco-related disease in the country.
