By Mikee Natinga Norico

Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA); Prof. Janet P. Jaco, CPUES Principal; together with attendees including barangay officials from Dungon A, Dungon B, San Isidro, Jaro, Arguelles, and Lopez-Jaena; the CPUES PTA officers; PNP personnel from Jaro Police Station and Camp Delgado; and lecture forum guest speakers, pose for a photo opportunity after the successful Kasanagan Lecture Forum dubbed Keeping our Learners Healthy in a Smoke-Free Community at the CPU Educational Media Center Conference Room, on November 5, 2024.

With the primary goal of ensuring that our elementary school learners would choose healthy lifestyles by avoiding smoking and vaping, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, in cooperation with the CPU Elementary School and the Iloilo City Government through the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) gathered the CPU Elementary learners and several groups in the community in the first Kasanagan Lecture Forum for this school year dubbed Keeping our Learners Healthy in a Smoke-Free Community at the CPU Educational Media Center Conference Room, November 5.

Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) said that the event aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and vaping, emphasizing the University’s commitment to stewardship— a core value that underscores responsible care for personal health and the community among others.

(From left to right) Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA), presents certificates of appreciation and tokens to lecture forum guest speakers, Ms. John Christia Evangelista, Head of Enforcement Operations; and Mr. Jeus Rey Padilla, Advocacy Head of ICAST, alongside with Prof. Janet P. Jaco, CPUES Principal.

“This special convocation is anchored on the CPU core value of Stewardship: the proper management of life, position, possessions, and other resources entrusted by God to us,” she said.
In her opening remarks, Romarate also defined the word, Kasanagan—a Hiligaynon word meaning “to shed light”—which perfectly aligns with the forum’s purpose of educating young learners about the risks of smoking and vaping using Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and encouraging responsible lifestyle choices.

She also commended Iloilo City for getting the 2024 ASEAN Smoke-Free Award (Gold Category), attributing this achievement to the work of the ICAST led by CPU alumnus, Mr. Iñigo D. Garingalao who also serves as the Iloilo City Agriculturist.

Romarate also pointed out that the forum was conducted in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Affirming the importance of collaboration between the academe and the community to achieve a smoke-free community in support of youths of Iloilo City, the event was attended not only by 162 Grade 6 learners but also barangay officials from Dungon A, Dungon B, San Isidro, Jaro, Arguelles, and Lopez-Jaena, PNP officers from Jaro Police Station and Camp Delgado, CPU Elementary PTA officers, faculty and staff and resource persons from ICAST and ARCPP.

Two resource persons from ICAST and a member of the ARCPP delivered the lectures which included Updates on the Types and Use of Electronic Nicotine and Non-nicotine devices; the Ill Effects of Smoking and Vaping to our Physical Bodies; and the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking/Anti-Vaping Ordinance.

Mr. Jeus Rey Padilla, Advocacy Head of ICAST, in his introduction on the health risks associated with smoking and vaping shared insights from a 2020 survey by the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) and the Department of Education (DepEd) which revealed that 6.7% of surveyed students had tried e-cigarettes, with many starting as early as 10 years old.

Padilla emphasized that contrary to popular belief, vaping is not a safer alternative to smoking, warning that daily use of e-cigarettes poses serious health risks, particularly to the lungs.

Ms. Zhenia G. Baclay, a respiratory therapist from the Association of Respiratory Care Practitioners, discussed the health effects of smoking, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mental health issues.

She warned that it is not only firsthand and secondhand exposure to tobacco products, but also third-hand (residual nicotine and other chemicals left from tobacco smoke left on indoor surfaces, skin, fur, and furniture can be the sources of third-hand exposure to smoking) that is dangerous to our health.

Ms. John Christia Evangelista, Head of Enforcement Operations, rounded out the lecture series by detailing Iloilo City’s anti-smoking regulations and the role of the Anti-Smoking Task Force in upholding smoke-free public spaces.

The program included a special performance by Grade 6 students Nathania Ness B. Cantel and Nerya Benice B. Casco.

In a powerful pledge led by Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs, the Grade 6 learners vowed to remain smoke-free, embracing CPU’s vision of stewardship and health advocacy.

CPU Elementary School Principal Prof. Janet P. Jaco closed the forum, expressing her appreciation for all involved, particularly the I-CAST, ARCPP, the VPSA Office, faculty, learners, and community partners, who contributed to the event’s success.

Ms. Donna D. Jimena, Assistant Principal of CPUES, led the prayer marking the end of a meaningful event dedicated to promoting a smoke-free future for Iloilo City’s youth.

The KASANAGAN Lecture Forum reflects CPU’s commitment to equipping students with knowledge for making informed choices, promoting a healthier, smoke-free Iloilo City.