Club runs 'Anti-Smoking Campaign' in Tondo

On January 31, Pres. Jun Jun Dayrit and PDG Pepito Bengzon joined IPP David Ackerman at the Florentino Torres High School in Tondo, Manila to launch another run of the anti-smoking campaign, “Ang Pagbabalik ni Yosi Kadiri.” IPP David is the initiator and chair of the project. The launch was also graced by Ms. Jessica Marasigan, Ms. Philippines Earth - Water 2017, her presence a fulfilment of the commitment of the Ms. Philippines Earth organization to support the project as a partner. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the evils of smoking, especially among the youth—those who are deep in the habit, those who just picked it up, and those who are likely to yield to peer pressure and start the habit. IPP David is passionate about this campaign because smoking was at the root of the disease—lung cancer-- that claimed the life of his father, RCMakati member Irv Ackerman. It is a fate he wouldn’t want the youth to suffer. The Rotarian trio pitched their anti-smoking message to 200 seventh graders, who are vulnerable to peer group influences. They warned that smoking has been proven to cause a host of diseases, including COPD, stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer —in other words, smoking can affect their health and pose a danger to their lives. The program included an on-the-spot poster making contest and a Q&A which offered cash prizes to the winners. This was the second run of the campaign this year. The first, addressed to 300 Gr. 7 students, took place on November 25, 2017 at the Manuel Roxas High School in Paco, Manila.