By: Explained PH-Aklan
Aiming to mitigate harmful effects of smoking in the province, PWERA PASMA: Smoke Free Zone event was conducted in celebration of the national no smoking month, June 17 to 18, at the Northwestern Visayan Colleges Gym, Kalibo, Aklan.
Photo: Pulong ng Kabataan FB Page
With a theme "Be Smart, Don't Ever Start", various activities were held on the first day of the event which included handicrafts making led by Kalibo Dreadlocks, Canknot, and Kinaadman, and a Smoke-Free Zone talk that tackled the effects of smoking to one's life.
There were also local brands and businesses that set up booths to display their products at the venue such as ADC Farms, a home for coconut based products, Xien Crafts, and Coffee Cravings.
On the same day, a poster-making contest led by Sining ni Asjan was held following the theme of the event, and was open to Aklanons below 30 years of age.
The winners for the poster-making contest were: Chris Janine V. Tolores who bagged the championship; Ysshe Siah-J Garmino who landed first runner-up, and Angelo D. Leocario won as the second runner-up.
During the second day, a Paper Crafts workshop led by Shyne Crafts was organized along with the exhibition of the outputs from the poster-making contest.
Moreover, a mural painting was done in line with the advocacy of the event which was designed by JR Cheng and a few volunteers who were Angelo Leocario, Jommer Gumban, Aljun Melanio, Enthan Zapico, Joshua Kim, Chrisha Belle Janas, Janica Anne dela Pena, and Wallen Menez.
Art in a Tag, a graffiti handstyle writing contest open for Aklanons 15 to 30 years old, was also done led by The Holiday Crew and Tom Works Shoe Custom.
Jhon Jeanne Macabante was hailed as the champion in the Art in Tag competition followed by Jonathan Sapico and Allen Isturis who clinched the first and second runner-up spots respectively.
Each contestant received cash prizes and gifts from sponsors as well as certificates for participating in the event.
"This is just not any event, this is a movement. It also aims to inform the public on the dangers of smoking, may it be cigarettes or vaping," Anne Dela Peña, Aklan Provincial Youth Development Officer said.
The Aklan Provincial Youth Development Office (PDYO), together with the Aklan Arts and Culture Society and JCI Aklan Kalantiao were the organizers of this program. The Pulong ng Kabataan, Kalibo Association for Youth Anti-Drug Coalition, AKON-DA and AADAC-Phil were also part of this event as volunteers.
Photo: Pulong ng Kabataan FB Page
"This event helps promote a smoke free zone as we provide several activities or hobbies as alternatives to make their day productive, claiming their right to health and healthy living," Peña added.