‘Protect children’s future with stronger smoke-, vape-free policies… progress means little if we fail to protect the generation that will inherit it’ - Governor Edduba urges to act on HB 9603

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Kalinga Governor James S. Edduba is calling for stronger measures to protect children and communities from tobacco smoke, vape exposure and nicotine addiction, urging Congress to advance the proposed Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Act.

In a video posted on the Province of Kalinga’s official Facebook page on September 16, 2026, Edduba appealed to lawmakers to act on the proposed measure, which seeks to strengthen protections against exposure to tobacco smoke and vape emissions.

“To our honorable congressmen and senators, I respectfully call for the immediate hearing and advancement of the proposed Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill,” Edduba said.

‘Our children deserve clean air, good health’

Edduba stressed that economic and community development should go hand in hand with protecting the next generation.

“Kalinga is moving forward...but progress means little if we fail to protect the generation that will inherit it. Our children deserve more than a growing economy. They deserve clean air, good health and the freedom to grow without being trapped by nicotine addiction,” he said.

The governor also emphasized that smoking and vaping become a broader public concern when children are exposed to tobacco smoke and vape emissions and when their health and future may be affected.

Tobacco and vape use in Kalinga

The governor’s call comes amid local health data showing continued tobacco and vape use in Kalinga.

A 2023 Global Adult Tobacco Survey conducted among 423 respondents aged 15 and older in the province recorded a 22.5-percent current cigarette-smoking rate, equivalent to more than two in every 10 respondents.

Current e-cigarette or vape use was reported by 10.6 percent, or more than one in every 10 respondents.

Smoking prevalence was higher among males at 35.1 percent, compared with 7.7 percent among females. Vape use was reported at 7.5 percent among males and 3.1 percent among females.

The survey also recorded exposure to secondhand smoke, including among nonsmokers. About 51 percent of nonsmokers reported exposure at workplaces, while exposure was also recorded in restaurants at 40 percent, public transportation at 39.7 percent, government offices at 23.7 percent, and health care facilities at 11.7 percent.

Call to advance HB 9603

House Bill No. 9603, or the proposed Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Act, seeks to establish stronger nationwide standards for smoke-free and vape-free public spaces and workplaces. The measure also proposes expanded smoke- and vape-free zones, stronger local enforcement mechanisms and public health measures on tobacco and vape control.

The Regional Tobacco Control Network has also expressed support for the proposed measure, saying it could complement existing local and national efforts to reduce tobacco use and protect communities from the health risks associated with smoking and vaping.

Edduba called for collective action to protect young people and urged lawmakers to move the proposal forward.

“Let us move this measure forward, let us act while we still have the opportunity to protect the lives and future of our youth,” he said.