QUEZON CITY, (PIA) --The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) commends the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and the Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) for declaring the facilities under the Adopt-A-Park program as Smoke and Vape-Free areas.

MMDA, in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government, National Youth Commission, The Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Vital Strategies and Action on Smoking and Health, recently conducted two rounds of communications planning with the SK Federation of the 17 Metro Manila LGUs.

Various activities will be conducted at the Adopt-A-Park locations to promote a healthier and safer environment as a result of the said planning activity.

“Our youth must be provided with healthy surroundings. Public parks must be conducive for activities that would strengthen our children’s bodies and protect them against any danger,” said MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando "Don" Artes.

During the observance, of “Linggo ng Kabataan”, LGUs and their respective SKs will conduct several activities aimed at increasing the awareness of the youth on health and safety.

MMDA and LGUs have agreed to utilize the parks under the Authority’s Adopt-A-Park program not only for leisure and relaxation, but for helping combat climate change and air pollution as well.

Dr. Madeleine Valera, Senior Technical Adviser of the Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease said that “tobacco use remains a significant public health concern, causing more than 87,000 Filipinos [to lose] their lives to tobacco-related diseases.”

She added that “involving the youth in the campaign can make a lot of difference.”

“The MMDA and SKs Smoke-Free Parks initiative marks a pivotal stride in creating healthier public spaces where citizens can truly flourish. Vital Strategies is proud to support this endeavor, one that safeguards the public’s health and wellness by hindering the use of cigarettes, vapes, and other deadly tobacco products," said Kaloi Garcia, Senior Communications Manager of Vital Strategies, an international health nonprofit organization.

Seminars, a song-making contest, book trade, clean-up drive, focus group discussions, Pinoy games, planting, and social media party, are among the advocacy activities identified by the Sangguniang Kabataan to be conducted this month. (mmda/pia-ncr)