Say No to Cigarette Selling, Say Yes to Healthy Living

Minors nowadays can buy cigarette freely because no one tends to stop them from buying. Even near schools, the students can easily buy cigarette and smoke freely. According to the Department of Education, "Smoking and sale of cigarette is prohibited not only in school premises, but also within the 100- meter radius zone from the area".

Also, the Republic Act 9211 or the Tabacco Regulation Act of 2003 provides such restriction. This was to prevent the youth from being involved in cigarette smoking by prohibiting sale of cigarette to minors ( section 3, Ibid). In other words, it is to protect minors on the possible effects of cigarette smoking in their health at their very young age.

If this was under the law, why there are still so many vendors sell cigarettes to minors especially here in Cabanatuan City. We can't help but to blame the government in this matter because it is their responsibility to strictly enforce the said law and ensure its implementation.

We would like to address this problem to the honorable mayor of Cabanatuan City, Mayor Jay Vergara which has the power to take an immediate action for this matter. We are hoping that this sincere request will reach the kind department of Mayor Jay Vergara, also the department involved in this matter so they will find a way to prevent the minors in cabanatuan city from smoking at their very young age. We patiently hope for a good and immediate response.