In observance of World No Tobacco Day and No Smoking Month, the UP Manila NIH Health Promotion Program (HPP) is highlighting a critical shift in youth nicotine consumption. New findings reveal that vaping is now the most common form of nicotine use among students, even in areas where tobacco control is actively enforced.

One in three students has tried a vape product, nearly double the rate of cigarette experimentation. Among current nicotine users, 67.5% use vapes exclusively, while dual use of both cigarettes and vapes stands at 14.8%. Data also indicates that nicotine use rises sharply with age, starting at 30.1% for 12-year-olds and peaking at 72.7% for 18-year-olds.

These findings suggest that current regulations, such as Republic Act No. 11900 (the Vape Law of 2022), have not effectively curbed youth access. Consequently, the data support moving toward a comprehensive ban on the manufacture and sale of nicotine products or, at a minimum, implementing targeted amendments to ban flavors, raise the age-based restriction to at least 21, and prohibit all online sales and advertisements.

Reference: Javier RS, Tamayo RLJ, Famaloan FRAN, Arda JR, Balmes CLA, Veraque BLC, Mateo EKM, Reyes KAV. (2026). Multi-product use of cigarettes, heated tobacco, and vapes among Grades 7–10 students in selected Philippine cities (manuscript in preparation).

For inquiries or more information, connect with us through:

• Website: healthpromo.nih.upm.edu.ph

• Email: healthpromo.upm@up.edu.ph

• All HPP Channels: healthpromoupm.carrd.co/