PSS trains sights on tobacco prevention

The CNMI Public School System is hoping that diminishing the use of cigarette and tobacco on its campuses could help steer students away from risk behavior.

During yesterday’s hearing for the PSS’ fiscal year 2019 budget at the Senate, PSS associate commissioner for Instructional Services Jackie Quitugua lauded the anti-tobacco program and other programs PSS has conducted.

Aside from Towards No Tobacco, PSS has also continued with the following programs for its students—Challenge Master, The Leader in Me, Life Skills, and Project Alert.

She said just by following this plan, these series of measures are expected to manage health instructions by preventing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug exploitation on campus.

According to the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior survey results, 23 percent of students in middle school and 24.7 percent in high school tried cigarette smoking.

“The Youth Risk Behavior survey results have shown an alarming concern around injury—you know around suicide—and students feeling hopeless and feel[ing] not ready to come back to school. So, we are looking at those as a very serious [problem] it is like a red flag for us to pay attention to and put that as a priority. Also, actually our associate commissioners for Student and Support Services have really been doing a lot around school site conventions. Those are all the things that fall under the mental health of our students,” said Quitigua.

She said risk behavior not only disturbs students, as it can negatively affect teachers and counselors mentally as well.

Quitugua added that youth programs like the school-led retreats, wellness, after-school, and youth summits can also support students.

She is also waiting on Physical Activity and Recreation Kit for Physical Education, or SPARK, to be included in the Tobacco Control Plan, once sufficient funding is available.

Yvonne Pangelinan, PSS associate commissioner for Student and Support Services, also addressed the Senate and once again asked them for their support in the coming fiscal year.

“Much like all of you, our primary concern is for the overall wellbeing for our students. We recognize that in order to prepare our youth to be our future leaders and for them to reach their potential, we must address the academic, social-emotional, mental, and physical needs that they have. In this regard, and with the support that you have committed to them, our distinct programs aim to provide a comprehensive range of services that help to level the playing field for all our students,” she said.