28 March 2025, Naga City- The Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) Office of Student Affairs (OSA), in cooperation with the Ateneo Higher Education Health Services Office and the College Ignatian Formation Program (CIFP) and National Service Training Program (NSTP) Department), spearheaded an Anti-Smoking and Substance Abuse Webinar dubbed as “Shake it Off: Let Go of the Vape” via Google Meet and YouTube. This region-wide event was attended by a live audience of 700 plus students and student affairs (SAS) practitioners.
This webinar was part of ADNU’s ongoing Drug-Free Campus Program, which aims to maintain a safe and healthy environment for students and the entire ADNU community. The session focused on the growing concerns surrounding vaping and addiction, which are closely linked to drug use and its associated risks, according to studies. It specifically aimed to educate students about the health risks of smoking and vaping, provide practical measures and strategies to prevent vaping initiation, support those seeking to quit, and foster Ignatian discernment to encourage healthier and more informed choices.
The university president, Fr. Aristotle C. Dy, S.J., delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of holistic formation, which nurtures both a healthy mind and body. He encouraged participants to deepen their understanding of the realities and harmful effects of vaping on health.
The first resource speaker, Dr. Maria Encarnita B. Limpin, a Tobacco Cessation Expert and Executive Director of the Action on Smoking and Health Philippines (ASH Phils), and Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP), began by highlighting tobacco use as one of the world’s largest health issues. She discussed the health effects of both direct and secondhand smoke, emphasizing its impact on nearly every part of the body. Dr. Limpin outlined how smoking contributes to chronic diseases like cancer, respiratory illnesses, heart disease, stroke, and reproductive issues in women. She also stressed that children are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke exposure.
Dr. Limpin highlighted the growing prevalence of electronic smoking devices, such as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), and heated tobacco products (HTPs), and debunked the misconception that vaping is safer than smoking. Citing scientific research, she explained that these devices still deliver addictive nicotine and toxic chemicals that harm the lungs, heart, and overall health.
She compared e-cigarettes and HTPs to traditional cigarettes, noting that while they heat tobacco rather than burn it, they still produce harmful chemicals and should not be seen as safer options.
Dr. Limpin also expressed concern over the rising popularity of vaping among young people, emphasizing the serious health risks it poses. She reiterated, “Vaping is not safe; it is equally harmful as smoking.” She concluded by urging greater public awareness and encouraging smokers to quit, stressing that the best choice for a healthier life is to stop smoking.
The second speaker, John James F. Surtida, Communications and Marketing Department Supervisor at Bicol Access Health Centrum Hospital, addressed common questions about random drug testing. He emphasized the importance of clarifying misconceptions to ensure a fair and accurate understanding of testing procedures. He also explained how the drug testing process works.
Following the talks, the host and moderator, Beatriz Mae D. Villanueva, a BSBA BMHP student, facilitated an engaging open forum. Sonny Paje and Rommel Arriola, Senior Technical Officers, along with Engr. Divina Abordo, Senior Officer of Action on Smoking & Health (ASH) Philippines, participated in the forum and addressed the participants’ questions. Live viewers also shared their insights and inquiries regarding the speakers’ presentations.
The university remains committed to organizing educational and formative activities in the coming semesters to maintain a safe and drug-free environment for all.
You could still view the webinar thru this link: https://tinyurl.com/ShakeItOffLetGoOfTheVape.
Written by Janice Tresvalles
