NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur (PIA)— A total of 7,115 cigarette butts were collected by residents and volunteers during a  cleanup drive conducted by DOH Bicol Center for Health Development, in partnership with ASH Philippines, Vital Strategies, and Reels for Life on Sept. 22, Thursday at Barangay Paniman, Caramoan, Camarines Sur.

The cleanup drive, which aims to promote a smoke-free environment in all beaches in the country, was one of the highlights during the launching of the Smoke-Free Beaches campaign held in the coastal town of Caramoan in line with the World No Tobacco Day Celebration with the theme “Tobacco Threat to Environment.” 

This is a global campaign and has been implemented in the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mexico, China, and Brazil.

Caramoan Mayor Marilyn H.Co said that the LGU fully supports the Smoke-Free beach campaign, acknowledging the dangers that smoking brings to the environment, particularly to the health of the populace.

“We already have an existing No-Smoking ordinance here in Caramoan. We amended it so that it will also be applicable in all the barangays, para maintindihan ng husto ang ibig sabihin ng Smoke-free Caramoan. Sana, sabay-sabay tayo na ihinto ang paninigarilyo, lalong-lalo’t na dito sa ating tourism destination, ang Brgy. Paniman, kung saan ito ang showcase natin sa mga bisita, sa mga turista,” Co said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency-Camarines Sur.

Caramoan is home to white and pristine beaches frequented by both local and foreign tourists, particularly during summer. The town is a favorite getaway destination of beach lovers and those who want to experience nature, and fresh, clean air.

“The objective ng activity natin is to convince people to eventually stop smoking. Kaya kung kailangan nyo ng tulong, nandyan po ang DOH regional office kasama ang provincial, city or municipal health office. Baka po maganda po na magtayo tayo ng smoking cessation service program, para may counseling, para yung mga gusto mag quit, pwedeng  magpunta kay doctor, mabigyan  ng general advice,” Vital Strategies, Philippines Communication Manager Kaloi Garcia said.

The activity also aims to increase awareness and understanding of the dangers of tobacco and vaping to health and identify the benefits of smoke and vape-free communities. It also aims to promote a smoke-free environment on beaches to allow, not just the tourists but also the residents to enjoy the fresh air and clean beaches free of cigarette smoke and cigarette butts.

Reels for Life Founder Bryan Martin underscored the importance of cleanliness and how it results in a healthy environment. He also stressed that teaching children at a young age about the harmful effects of smoking can help cut the increasing number of smokers all over the world.

“Lumalabas yung basura doon sa dagat at nakikita namin ang epekto nito. Wag natin itapon ang basura dito at maglinis tayo parati. Turuan din natin ang ating mga anak na huwag manigarilyo,”  Martin added.

In a press statement, DOH stated that cigarette smoking is generally attributed to damaging the health of smokers and non-smokers alike through secondhand and third-hand smoke. However, one aspect that is rarely discussed is how smoking also affects the health of the environment.

“Smoking hurts not only yourself but also your loved ones through secondhand smoke.  It can also damage everything around you as well by polluting the environment. Smoking means you are condemning yourself, the people around you, and even the environment to irreversible damages,” Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Philippines Executive Director Dr. Maricar Limpin said.

Aside from the clean-up, a zumba and Yosi Kadiri Read Along activity were also conducted. It was participated in by more than 200 residents, students, teachers, and volunteers.

In the afternoon, a Twitter Party/Workshop was held with the volunteers from Reefs for Life to promote and disseminate the said launching.

The launch in Caramoan is the first in Bicol region and the fourth destination conducted by ASH Philippines. They have conducted the same activity in Boracay, Palawan, and Buruanga. Other destinations lined up include Bataan, Dakak, Puerto Galera, Olongapo, San Felipe, and Sarangani. (With reports from JMadrid, DOH Bicol CHD-PIA5/Camarines Sur)