The Municipal Government of Itogon, led by Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, through the Municipal Health Services Office (MHSO) headed by Dr. Oliver P. Guadaña, conducted its annual observance of World No Tobacco Day on Thursday, May 21, 2026, through the “Go Lungs!” Fun Run.
This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” promotes the importance of protecting the youth from the harmful effects of tobacco and vape products.
The “Go Lungs!” Fun Run aimed to promote healthy lungs and active lifestyles while raising awareness on the dangers of smoking, vaping, and other tobacco-related products to overall lung health.
Runners, mostly youth participants, joined the event’s 1.2-kilometer, 5-kilometer, 10-kilometer, and 15-kilometer categories. The race routes covered areas from the Municipal Gymnasium to Maligaya, Gold Creek, and Aleb, in Poblacion.
Also joining the campaign was Non-Government Organization TobaccOFF Now!, a youth-created and youth-led movement advocating against the deceptive and manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry. The group engaged participants through interactive games and educational activities that promoted awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco use.
Among the top finishers, Swaggert Bancilo of Puguis, La Trinidad emerged champion in the 15K category, while Hayden Gellego of Mangga, Tuding topped the 10K category. Renel Bancilo of Puguis, La Trinidad won the 5K category, and Hayden Wakit of Poblacion, led the 1.2K run.
Mayor Waclin commended the youth participants, organizers, and partner organizations for supporting the municipality’s advocacy against smoking and vaping. He emphasized the importance of empowering young people to become advocates of healthy living and champions of a smoke-free community.
