Young leaders for tobacco control converge, level up advocacy skills at the ‘We are #TobaccoFreeGeneration’ Youth Summit

More than 30 young leaders gathered on August 16-18, 2024 in Quezon City for the We Are #TobaccoFreeGeneration youth summit, organized by PLCPD and the Child Rights Network in partnership with the Philippine Smoke-Free Movement (PSFM). Held as part of the month-long celebration of the International Youth Day, the summit aimed to capacitate youth leaders—including student leaders, campus journalists, advocates, SK officials, and theater actors—to effectively communicate tobacco control issues to legislators and the public.

The summit opened with inspiring messages from Mr. Romeo C. Dongeto, Executive Director of PLCPD, and Ms. Tanya Hamada, Advocacy Coordinator of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Philippines. They emphasized the crucial role of youth in shaping policies and countering tobacco industry interference, highlighting the importance of protecting children and youth from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction.

Key Tobacco Control Policies

Expert resource speakers delivered in-depth discussions on vital tobacco control policies.

Mr. Christian Payumo of Social Watch Philippines underscored the need for a smoke-free Philippines through the passage of the proposed Smoke-Free Environments Act.

Atty. Benedict Nisperos of HealthJustice Philippines called for stricter regulations on electronic smoking devices, stressing that children and youth are the most vulnerable if vaping regulations are relaxed and these products become more accessible to young people.

Ms. Pia Rodrigo from Action for Economic Reforms highlighted the importance of increasing tobacco taxes to reduce consumption, fund Universal Healthcare, as well as addressing the challenges posed by illicit tobacco trade.

Dr. Anton Oliver Javier of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance discussed the pervasive interference of the tobacco industry in government and society and the need to expose and counter these influences.

Communicating Tobacco Control                                                

The second phase of the summit focused on creative advocacy. Artist-teachers from the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) led workshops on basic integrated arts, introducing participants to various communication formats such as reporting, tableau, poetry (tanaga), oration, and dance. These sessions culminated in a collective performance that showcased the participants’ outputs, reflecting their commitment to the cause.

We are #TFG Youth Network formation

Recognizing the need for a youth-led and youth-focused network of tobacco control advocates, the young leaders held an organizational meeting to establish the We are #TobaccoFreeGeneration Youth Network. A Technical Working Group (TWG) was formed to officially discuss the network’s objectives, points of unity, and guiding principles.