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Duque rallies public support for campaign vs. tobacco

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

June 3, 2019, 8:57 pm

<p>Health Secretary Francisco Duque III speaks during the National No Smoking Month press briefing at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City on Monday (June 3, 2019). <em>(Photo by Teresa Montemayor)</em></p>

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III speaks during the National No Smoking Month press briefing at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City on Monday (June 3, 2019). (Photo by Teresa Montemayor)

MANILA -- Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday urged the public anew to support the government's efforts to control tobacco use nationwide in celebration of the National No Smoking month.

"The DOH, in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners agencies, observe May 31 as the World Tobacco Day while the whole month of June is designated as the National No Smoking Month under Proclamation No. 183 series 1993," said Duque in a press briefing in Makati City.

He emphasized that tobacco use and secondhand smoke are linked to the development of some 47 diseases which lead to death.

"The Philippine Health Statistics reported that diseases such as malignant neoplasms, chronic lower respiratory diseases, tuberculosis and pneumonia are among the top causes of deaths in the country from 2010 to 2015," he said.

Duque added the WHO estimated that tobacco use is responsible for the death of about six million people worldwide each year and many of these are "premature deaths".

To increase the public awareness on the ill effects of tobacco, the government implemented the Graphic Health Warnings Law.

"Recently, the DOH and the Department of Finance made a final push for the outgoing Congress to further raise sin taxes on tobacco and alcohol to close a cumulative funding gap estimated at around PHP 426 billion over the next five years for the full and proper implementation of the Universal Health Care program," Duque said.

With this, Duque urged the public to join the global campaign for effective tobacco control policies and engage stakeholders across multiple sectors.

Meanwhile, WHO country representative Gundo Weiler urged the government to make the Philippines a recognized leader in the health sector worldwide.

"Tobacco control policies are a win-win-win strategy for the Philippines, a win for health as there will be healthier Filipinos, a win for the economy because there is an economic return when people are able to maximize their productivity and a win for government as there will be less health-related expenses and it can focus on other investments," he said.

For her part, 4th District of Quezon Province Rep. Angelina Tan stressed that Filipinos "deserve to breathe fresher air and have better and healthier lives".

"You know, I have cried many times seeing doctors like me supporting the tobacco companies when they already know the harmful effects of tobacco. But I will continue with this fight against tobacco even if I will be alone in this campaign," Tan said. (PNA)

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