THE prevalence of youth smoking in the country has doubled in just two years, with health officials attributing the surge to the influx of cheap, illicit cigarettes and unregulated vapes.
According to the latest government data from the Food and Nutrition Institute - Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), 4.8% of Filipinos aged 10-19 smoked in 2023, up from 2.3% in 2021.
The increase is most pronounced among older teens, with nearly 14% of 18-19-year-olds now smokers.
Vaping among youth smokers has also surged, from 7.5% to almost 40% during the same period.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa noted that the unregulated products flooding the market pose significant dangers.
The Department of Trade and Industry has seized P41 million worth of illicit vapes between January and May 2025, but officials admit this is just a fraction of what circulates nationwide.
Independent monitoring shows that nearly one in five cigarettes sold in the country come from illegal sources.
The illicit cigarette packs sell for as low as P40 per pack, drastically lowering the price barrier for price-sensitive teens.
This has resulted in a generation initiated into smoking earlier and more cheaply, with addiction rates climbing sharply.
Public health advocates are calling for stronger enforcement of laws and regulations to clamp down on smuggling routes, illegal distributors, and online sellers.
Pinoy Aksyon convenor Bencyrus Ellorin urged the government to take action to prevent a looming health crisis and economic losses.
The government loses at least P40 billion annually to illicit trade, which is supposed to fund the Universal Health Care law.
With the surge in youth smoking and vaping, advocates are warning of a potential health crisis and economic burden.
