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Media ReleasesSocial Watch Philippines urges Manileńos to observe a smoke-free environment | SWP Press Release 16 Apr 2019
SOCIALWATCH PHILS·TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019 Social Watch Philippines (SWP) together with its community-based organization Aktibong Kilusan Tungo sa Iisang Bayan (AKTIB) urges the Manilenos to observe a smoke-free environment by supporting its information campaign on smoke-free environment on Tuesday, April 16.
The campaign aims to mobilize and involve the community to promote, sustain and defend smoke-free areas towards a healthy environment. The SWP-AKTIB together with Manila City Health Officer Dr. Regina Bartolome posted information materials (stickers, tarpaulins) to selected sari-sari stores, Barangay Hall and TODA stations in Barangay 310 Sta. Cruz Manila. The stickers and tarpaulins bear the provisions of Executive Order No. 26 of President Rodrigo Duterte which cautions the store owners not to sell cigarettes to minors and for smokers to know the prohibitions under the EO. The campaign on smoke-free areas is based on World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) where the Philippines is a Party thereof. The FCTC seeks to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environment and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke by enacting a set of universal standards stating the dangers of tobacco and limiting its use in all forms worldwide. The SWP together with AKTIB partners with 30 local government units in Mega Manila to promote smoke-free areas and to lessen the effects of Second-Hand Smoke (SHS). On Thursday, April 11, SWP launched the information campaign in Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City in cooperation of Barangay Kagawad Marites Palma and a representative from Quezon City Health Department. The SWP who is working hand in hand with AKTIB, is a national consortium of over 150 organizations, advocates the passage of tobacco tax increase bill now pending in Senate, to lessen the number of victims of the ill-effects of smoking in the country. Social Watch Philippines (SWP) is a network of over a hundred civil society organizations and individuals engaged in research and lobby efforts in holding the government accountable for the fulfillment of national, regional and international commitments to eradicate poverty and carry out social, economic, and gender justice. SWP promotes people-centered sustainable development by proactively monitoring the progress and delivery of social commitments forged by the government and influencing the outcomes of policy decisions through citizen's participation in public finance. Back to top |