ASOG leads session at MPOWER Youth Summit of Aklan's SK, PYDO leaders

Malay, Aklan

In celebration of National No Smoking Month, the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), through the Ateneo Policy Center (APC), actively participated in the MPOWER Youth Summit organized by the Smoke-Free Aklan for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO) leaders of Aklan. The summit, held at Casa Pilar Hotel in Malay, Aklan from June 12 to 14, 2024, featured a session led by Alen Santiago, APC's Program Manager for Tobacco Control and Governance, focusing on trends and innovations in the flavors and packaging of cigarette and e-cigarette products.

The MPOWER strategy is part of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and is designed to guide countries in implementing tobacco demand-reduction measures. MPOWER stands for: Monitor tobacco use, Protect people from tobacco smoke, Offer help to quit tobacco smoking, Warn about the dangers of tobacco, Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorships, and Raise taxes on tobacco.

The training aimed to empower local leaders to sustain and enhance tobacco control measures at the local government level. Participants were educated on the fundamental principles of tobacco control, the MPOWER strategy, and the essentials of implementing a comprehensive smoke-free policy.

Resource persons included representatives from the WHO, Action on Smoking and Health Philippines, Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital Smoking Cessation Clinic, Ateneo School of Government, Metro Manila Development Authority, and the Provincial Health Office of Aklan.

The event concluded with a synthesis session led by Ms. Nuelia Zaldivar, the Project Lead of Smoke-Free Aklan, where participants shared their key takeaways from the training.