Youth-Led TobaccOFF NOW Organization Hosts Summit in Cebu to Combat Tobacco Use Among Minors

The TobaccOFF NOW Organization, a youth-driven campaign dedicated to combating nicotine addiction among minors, convened a youth summit on November 29, 2025, at One Central Hotel in Cebu City. The event, organized in collaboration with the Philippine Youth Summit, brought together various student and youth groups from institutions including Abellana National School, Cebu Normal University, University of Cebu, University of San Jose–Recoletos, Code Green, and the Rotaract Club.

Established on June 20, 2025, TobaccOFF NOW aims to raise awareness about the dangers posed by tobacco products, such as vapes and heated tobacco devices, and to thwart the industry's efforts to target younger demographics. The morning session featured a panel discussion addressing tobacco companies' strategies to attract youth. Speakers included SK Chairman Dan Joshua A. Bautista from Lucena, Project Officer Irrah Kerstien Davocol from Iloilo, and social worker Nurr Faizal Dama from Cotabato City. They underscored tactics like enticing vape designs tailored to minors and the rise of e-cigarette use fueled by insufficient awareness.

"Turn peer pressure into peer power," Davocol urged, emphasizing community influence. Dama called on the Philippine government, including the President, to take stronger regulatory measures against tobacco proliferation. Bautista inspired attendees by stating, "We are the writers and actors of our community."

The panel also touched upon the recent developments from the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control’s COP11 meeting, concluding with an interactive forum that engaged participants in dialogue.

In the afternoon, event host Ace Licop Abu presented TobaccOFF NOW’s history and ongoing initiatives, highlighting the organization’s commitment to long-term advocacy. The session’s focal point was a "Futures Thinking" presentation by learning futurist Sugar Araña, who led youth participants through exercises envisioning possible scenarios for the tobacco industry's future.

Araña remarked, "The future holds many doors… our role is to prepare for all of them."

Attendees shared their reflections on the summit’s impact. Carlix Navaja expressed, "This experience inspires us to take action… Tobacco may profit manufacturers, but it costs lives—and futures."

Dama revealed his personal motivation, noting the prevalence of tobacco use among 10–18-year-olds in his community and how being the only non-smoker in his family drove his commitment. Joining TobaccOFF NOW has empowered him to foster sustainable change.

Participant Aerona Christine Sabello remarked, "TobaccOFF NOW is more than an anti-tobacco movement. It empowers young people to shape public health policies and protect their communities."

This summit reinforces TobaccOFF NOW's role as a pivotal force mobilizing Filipino youth against the tobacco industry's influence and advocating for healthier, tobacco-free future generations.