Tobacco Sold Right Outside Schools, Nowhere to Hide? Philippine Tobacco Advertising Harms Youth Heal

The issue of tobacco sales near schools in the Philippines has drawn attention. Although regulations prohibit the sale and advertising of tobacco products within 100 meters of schools, investigations have found violations.

Recently, a study by the Global Tobacco Control Institute (IGTC) revealed that despite Philippine regulations banning the sale, display, advertising, and promotion of tobacco products within 100 meters of schools, sales and advertising activities are still ongoing. Researchers are calling for stricter enforcement of existing laws and a comprehensive nationwide ban on tobacco advertising and display. 

The study monitored the sales and marketing of cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products at 6,617 retailers within 200 meters of 353 schools across nine cities or regions from December 2022 to January 2023. The results showed that within 100 meters of most schools, there were 2,070 cigarette, 43 vaping device, and 33 HTP retail locations. 

Among 1,011 cigarette retailers, 98% sold single cigarettes, and outdoor and indoor tobacco advertising (e.g., graphic printed signs/posters) were very common across all types of retailers. 

The study also found that despite policies explicitly prohibiting sales to individuals under 21, only 11% of cigarette retailers, 4% of vaping device retailers, and 48% of HTP retailers had visible age restriction signage. Flavored tobacco and nicotine products were also very common among retailers, including 90% of cigarette retailers and 98% of vaping device retailers. 

IGTC scientist Jennifer Brown stated:

“Strengthening existing policies to prohibit the sale and advertising of tobacco products within 100 meters of schools and implementing a comprehensive nationwide ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship can protect the health of Filipino youth and reduce tobacco-related mortality and morbidity in the Philippines.”

In this regard, IGTC emphasizes that implementing a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship is one of the most effective ways for countries to reduce tobacco demand, increase impact, and alleviate economic burdens.