the smokers of balok

Puff Puff says the Powerpuff featuring Smokers of Barangay Balok

      Hope is on our side as the POWERPuffers are here to save the day, or at least thats what the smokers of Balok believe, as they smoke a cigarette after the other. Contrary to the popular beliefs, 52%  among the households reported to have atleast 1 smoker at home, which to put in colloquial term is a ‘major red flag’ as the World health organization declared the use of tobacco as one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. The habit is correlated to diseases such as, cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). But, the question at hand is “Do our puffers know that smoking is bad for them?”. The answer to this is shockingly “Very Much”, with 67.6% saying that they are aware that smoking has damaged their health. This data is much like smokers from different parts of the country, who are dependent or addicted to Chemical X (nicotine). To put it simply, they know smoking is bad for their health, yet they continue to do so. 

    On the flip side, one cannot simply point fingers at smokers, without considering the circumstances they are in. As of the March 2024, no ordinances have been made regarding smoking. No banners, posters or any infographics was seen on public places. Cigarettes were being sold in variety stores, and residents were seen smoking within 100 meters of Balok Elementary school. Responses from the interview clarified that the barangay officials are knowledgeable of the legislation surrounding smoking. However, Captain Bayawa reasoned that he has no control over the peoples’ money, with the secretary supporting that, smoking is not a priority problem in the barangay.  The chapter of the powerpufferss is far from being closed, and till this day they are seen around the premises puffing crimes against the forces of health.