A win for kids and young people in Negros Oriental

DUMAGUETE City, Negros Oriental—The province of Negros Oriental took a significant step towards protecting its young people by signing a resolution to strongly implement a kids and young people-centered smoke-free spaces policy in the province of Negros Oriental.

“Masayang masaya dahil ngayon araw na ito nanalo ang kabataan dito sa Negros Oriental dahil po pumasa ang resolution na nagsasabing kailangan po natin ng smoke-free spaces para sa kabataan.” said Xavier Peredo, the Executive Director of YSN – SDSN Youth Philippines.

“As early as 9 year old meron nang kabataan na naninigarilyo – nakakabahala ito… A lot of young people die because of smoking. It’s a hard fact to digest pero kailangan natin I acknowledge ito, solusyonan na dapat natin ito. Ang Negros Oriental, kasama si board member Peter Paul ay gumawa ng aksyon – the first step into going to a smoke-free future for young people and kids” According to Xavier Peredo

Despite numerous uncertainties and opposition, young people won in Negros Oriental as the province remains steadfast in its commitment to fight for smoke-free environments. Atty. Peter Paul Renacia, a Board member and the author of the resolution expressed his support for this program “We are supporting this program for smoke-free spaces for young kids and young adults para sa ating probinsya”.

“We as legislators are in charge of making the ordinances, ang problema natin ay ang implementation. So with these organizations and with the cooperation of LGU, the implementation of our ordinances will be sustainable and in the future kids and young people will benefit from this ordinance” Renacia added.

YSN-UN SDSN Youth awarded a plaque for the province as a symbol of partnership for kids and young people’s protection. “Ang plaque na ito ay isang simbolo ng strong partnership ng YSN at ng Probinsya ng Negros Oriental para magkaroon ng mas magandang bukas ang kabataan… Negros Oriental is the first province to partner with us this year and we are thankful for this” Xavier Peredo stated.

Kids and young people celebrate the victory as the Province of Negros Oriental commits to the aspiration of young people of having safer spaces to grow and prosper.