More LGUs make finals of DOH's anti-smoking Red Orchid Awards

In the recently concluded Department of Health (DOH) Red Orchid Awards 2013 for 100-percent tobacco-free environments, figures showed a significant increase in the number of local government units (LGUs), offices, and health facilities that are involved in the fight against tobacco use. From 46 finalists and eight winners when the awards started in 2010, there are currently 170 finalists and 103 Red Orchid awardees with 24 Hall of Fame honorees.

The DOH also enjoined LGUs to strictly enforce the ban on selling, advertising, and promotion of tobacco products to minors and within a 100-meter radius from schools and centers of youth. In Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has taken steps to reprimand store owners who sell cigarettes near schools.

The DOH Food and Drug Administration has also issued a statement on electronic cigarettes, which contain volatile organic substances, including propylene glycol, flavors, and nicotine, emitted as mist or aerosol into indoor air. Secondhand exposure to e-cigarette emissions may also lead to adverse health effects. Thus, the DOH urged LGUs and regulating government agencies to consider e-cigarettes as regular cigarettes and ban its use in public places.

DOH is calling on the public to support its flagship campaign against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors. Called Pilipinas Go4Health, this nationwide healthy lifestyle movement aims to help communities and workplaces create a conducive environment for reducing and avoiding tobacco use.

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona said, “Through Pilipinas Go4Health, we are working with partners in the private and public sectors to strengthen our efforts against smoking and NCDs.” He added that the full implementation of the Sin Tax law on alcohol and tobacco products will result in better health outcomes.

“The Sin Tax law advocated by President Benigno S. Aquino III will not be a burden to Filipinos. Instead, it will even protect the health and welfare of the poor as revenues will further improve universal health care coverage and provide access to quality health facilities and services. It will also protect the youth by discouraging smoking and the excessive use of alcohol,” Ona reiterated.

Smoking kills

Data from the DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO) show 10 Filipino smokers die from tobacco-related diseases every hour. Over 17.3 million smokers in the country are 15 years old and above.

WHO also reports that the four main NCDs—cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung diseases and diabetes—kill three in five people worldwide. Premature deaths from NCDs, however, “can be prevented by changed policies and active engagement not only in health but also in other sectors. Effective action will save millions of lives and avoid suffering,” according to WHO.

“Pilipinas Go4Health is anchored on our goal of promoting and establishing a sustainable environment for healthy living,” said Ona. “We need everyone on board to combat the dangers of cigarette smoking. Aside from this, we are urging Filipinos to get physically active, have a proper diet, avoid smoking, and reduce alcohol consumption.”

Pilipinas Go4Health is the nationwide healthy lifestyle movement spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH) and its partners. It aims to inform and encourage Filipinos from all walks of life to practice a healthy lifestyle by making a personal commitment to physical activity, proper nutrition, and the prevention or cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption. Through the movement, DOH and its partners work together to promote and establish a sustainable environment for healthy living. Visit www.go4health.ph for more information.