Ateneo School of Government Celebrates Graduates of Leadership and Governance in Tobacco Control Course

On December 16, 2024, the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) culminated the Leadership and Governance in Tobacco Control (LGTC) Executive Course at the Ateneo Policy Center (APC). This three-day intensive program, spread over three weeks, aimed to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for effective tobacco control measures within their communities. The course, totaling 24 training hours, concluded with a graduation ceremony, marking a significant milestone for the participants.

Morning Session Highlights

The morning session kicked off with presentations from each participating local government unit or organization. These presentations focused on Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPA) work plans, outlining the participants’ proposed action steps to enhance smoke-free (SF) and vape-free (VF) ordinances in line with the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Following the presentations, esteemed tobacco control experts provided valuable panel remarks and feedback. Ms. Ma. Dolores “Jing” Causon, the Training Director for the LGTC Executive Course, highlighted key takeaways and offered implementation advice. Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo, Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), shared his technical expertise, emphasizing the importance of suitable language in tobacco control ordinances. Dr. Anton Javier, FCTC Program Officer at SEATCA, underscored the necessity of strong policy options before developing strategic implementation plans.

Dr. Madeleine Valera, Senior Technical Advisor of Vital Strategies, concluded the morning session with words of encouragement. She advised the participants to remain committed to their endeavors and to keep pursuing impactful change in tobacco control initiatives within their local communities.

Graduation Ceremony

The day culminated with a graduation ceremony. Dr. Philip Arnold P. Tuaño, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government, delivered the opening remarks, marking the official end of the program.

Ms. Sharon Grace S. Yabut, Program Head of the Executive Education Program at ASOG, and Dr. Tuaño presented Certificates of Completion to the 17 participants. Each certificate recognized their active participation and successful completion of the LGTC Executive Course.

Engr. Ruperto A. Rillera Jr., Board Member on Health of the Provincial Government of La Union, delivered a closing speech on behalf of the participants. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the course and emphasized the importance of applying the learnings to enhance tobacco control efforts at the grassroots level.

Future Outcomes

The success of the first cohort, which included participants from La Union and Metro Manila, bodes well for future iterations of the LGTC Executive Course. Plans are underway to expand the program to additional regions, with details of targeted areas expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2025. This continued commitment to leadership and governance in tobacco control will undoubtedly contribute to healthier communities across the country.

Conclusion

The culmination of the Leadership and Governance in Tobacco Control Executive Course marks a significant step in fostering skilled leaders dedicated to strong tobacco control measures. Through the combined efforts and expertise of Ateneo School of Government and its partners, these graduates will play a crucial role in creating smoke-free and vape-free communities that align with international standards.

We invite you to share your thoughts on this inspiring event and to stay tuned for updates on future cohorts. Your comments and support mean the world to us.

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