Philippines Survey: Most Smokers Would Switch to Safer Alternatives

Source from:  Vapingpost 12/10/2020

Citing a study conducted locally, President of PMFTC Inc. (the Philippine affiliate of PMI) Denis Gorkun, said that compiled data indicated that 59% of the estimated 16 million Filipino smokers, would try smoke-free alternatives if they were “commercially available and subject to certain product safety standards.”

“The reality is that the moment we light anything on fire, we open up a chemical factory. This applies to the tobacco in a cigarette. The fuel in a car. Or the wood in a stove. And this is why there is a movement across sectors to reduce and eliminate combustion or burning,” he said.

Of course more than an interest in harm reduction, Gorkun has a vested business interest. PMFTC, has just opened four IQOS stores in the Philippines.

Found in the following locations: Eastwood Mall in Libis, Quezon City; SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City; SM Southmall in Las Piñas City; and Estancia Mall in Pasig City, the stores will be strictly selling the products to anyone 21 years and older. The shops will sell the IQOS devices, heat sticks and a range of accessories.