The Department of Education (DepEd) MIMAROPA calls on barangays to intensify efforts against students smoking and vaping on school premises in the region.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on October 15, DepEd MIMAROPA Regional Director Nicolas T. Capulong urged the barangay officials to adhere to the strict implementation of the “no-smoking policy” in schools.
“I think it is a social issue not simply an educational issue because it involves the segments of our society. Mayroon pong batas na no-smoking policy, is a communal problem not only a problem of education. I would like to think, therefore, ito pong mga schools po natin ay mas continuously [mag] engage with the community people,” he said.
He added “Kami po kasi wala po kaming police power na magpunta sa tindahan at sabihing huwag ka [magtinda ng vape] baka po idemanda pa ang teacher natin. It must be the barangay officials who should implement national policies and even our police sector.”
In March 2024, DepEd further intensified its efforts to end vaping within school premises, including a ban on the sale and promotion of the product within a 100-meter radius of the schools.
The programs were rolled out in compliance with DepEd Order 14 and DepEd Memorandum 111, which prohibits using cigarettes and vapes in schools.
In a television interview with People’s Television Network last March, Education Assistant Secretary Dexter Galban said the DepEd will collaborate with other government agencies to ensure strict compliance with the ban.
“Makikipagtulungan tayo sa kada ahensya ng pamahalaan, lalung-lalo na sa lokal na pamahalaan para masigurado natin na hindi na magiging available itong mga ito sa ating mga mag-aaral,” Galban said.
Moreover, Capulong also emphasized that quality education does not only entail strength in Mathematics, Science, and other core subjects. It rather includes the moral, physical, and mental well-being of our youth.
“Ours is continuous GMRC [good manners and right conduct], and values education, upang maturuan kung ano ba yung dapat sa kabataan at hindi. Doon po dini-discuss kung ano po yung tama at hindi,” Capulong said. (AS/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)
