Philippines: ''World No Tobacco Day'' Set on May 31

Source from:  Panay News Philippines 05/14/2015

To combat smoking, the World Health Organization (WHO) with the support of the Department of Health (DOH) will be spearheading the "World No Tobacco Day" on May 31.

Bearing the theme "NoTobacco Beware! Illegal Tobacco," this year's celebration will be focusing on setting public awareness about illicit tobacco use.

According to DOH, "the tobacco industry and criminal groups profit from illegal tobacco trade, leaving the public the health and security costs."

In a data recently presented by DOH-6 Senior Health Program officer John Richard Lapascua, illicit tobacco comprises 9-11 percent of the global cigarette market, noting that in some countries, the illicit market is up to 50 percent or more.

The said scenario caused a revenue loss to the government.

"If illicit trade were eliminated, governments worldwide could gain at least US$US 30 billion/year in tax revenues," he said.

As matter of fact, Lapascua noted that the passage of Sin Tax has decreased the number of young smokers from one in five students in 2007 to one in ten students at present.

While DOH is campaigning against smoking and illicit tobacco, others are also manoeuvring to hijack the political and legislative process; exaggerating the economic importance of the industry; manipulating public opinion to gain the appearance of respectability; fabricating support through front groups; discrediting proven science; and intimidating governments with litigation of the threat of litigation, he said.

The "World No Tobacco Day," being one of the efforts of DOH to set public awareness on the ill effects of smoking, will be highlighted with various advocacy activities in the different provinces of the region.

In Capiz, for example, which 13 out of its 17 towns have comprehensive ordinances against smoking, will conduct a province-wide caravan on May 31.
Other local government units will also have their own programs in the same day, said Lapascua.

Started in 1987, the said celebration also serves as a kick-off campaign of the "World No Tobacco Month" in June. Enditem