DOH launches smoke-free Manila Bay campaign

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday launched an anti-smoking campaign at the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach in commemoration of Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Nico Waje reported on Unang Balita that the campaign aims to encourage the public to keep the air cleaner and safer to breathe by not smoking in public places like the Dolomite Beach.

The DOH has repeatedly pointed out that smoking and secondhand smoke are among the risk factors that may increase the chances of getting lung cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer was the most common cancer death in 2020, with 1.80 million dying because of it.

Lung cancer was also the second most common cancer in 2020 next to breast cancer, with 2.21 million new cases detected.

DOH, along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other concerned agencies, initiated a Zumba activity at the Dolomite Beach as part of the anti-smoking campaign, and unveiled “No Smoking” signs along the area.

In May, the DOH also launched a campaign for smoke-free beaches, parks, and tourist destinations in celebration of World No Tobacco Day. — Giselle Ombay/DVM, GMA Integrated News