A LOCAL official in Antique called on the Department of Education to intensify its campaign against the hazards of electronic cigarettes to the youth.

“Vape or e-cigarette companies have strategically targeted the youth and turned into manufacturing mint and fruit-flavored vape juices,” Board Member Rony Molina said.

Although vaping has been promoted as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, he said that it still has negative health effects.

“Be reminded that educational institutions play a vital and active role in protecting the students and molding them into better versions of themselves,” Molina added.

He said that Republic Act 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, does not prohibit the use of e-cigarettes.

The law regulates the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use, and communication of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products as well as novel tobacco products.