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“it’s a busy world” (world observes no-tobacco day-2012) 06/04/2012 “IT’S A BUSY WORLD” WORLD OBSERVES NO-TOBACCO DAY-2012 By Allyssa Mae A. Tuzaon "TOBACCO" “A weed among the plants we find That hurts the body and the mind, Yet in the way of self-abuse, We see it constantly in use. “Unpleasant to the smell and taste, Yet men for it their money waste; The reason why I scarce can tell For none at first do like it well. “Some do it chew and some it smoke Whilst others in their nose it pokes....” by William B. Shockley WITH THE THEME “Tobacco Industry Interference”, the World Health Organization (WHO) took the lead in the observance of “World No-Tobacco Day” on Thursday, May 2012. The event was focussed on the need to expose and counter the tobacco industry's brazen and increasingly aggressive attempts to undermine the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) because of the serious danger they pose to public health. Tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of death. Statistics show that the global tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year, of which more than 600,000 are people exposed to second-hand smoke. Unless governments and the people themselves act to control if not to stop this menace, it is projected that up to 8 million people will succumb to it by 2030, more than 80% of which belong to the low-and middle-income countries. What is alarming is that even as more and more countries move to fully meet their obligations under the WHO FCTC, the tobacco industry's efforts to undermine the treaty are becoming more and more energetic. For example, in an attempt to halt the adoption of pictorial health warnings on packages of tobacco, the industry recently adopted the novel tactic of suing countries under bilateral investment treaties, claiming that the warnings impinge the companies' attempts to use their legally-registered brands. Meanwhile, the industry's attempts to undermine the treaty continue on other fronts, particularly with regard to countries' attempts to ban smoking in enclosed public places and to ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. The observance of “World No Tobacco Day 2012” was therefore aimed at warning and educating policy-makers and the general public about the tobacco industry's nefarious and harmful tactics. It was also held in keeping with the letter and the spirit of the WHO FCTC . The preamble of the treaty recognizes "the need to be alert to any efforts by the tobacco industry to undermine or subvert tobacco control efforts and the need to be informed of activities of the tobacco industry that have a negative impact on tobacco control efforts". In addition, the treaty states that "in setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, Parties shall act to protect these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national law". Furthermore, one of the guidelines to the implementationof the treaty states that “Parties are recommended to "raise awareness about…tobacco industry interference with Parties' tobacco control policies". In observing “World No-Tobacco Day 2012”, and throughout the following year, WHO urged countries to put the fight against tobacco industry interference at the heart of their efforts to control the global tobacco epidemic. -o-0-o- IN THE LOCAL FRONT In the Philippines, smoking in commercial establishments and other public places has been banned in Metro Manila and other areas. All cigarette packs are required to display a prominent warning about the health risks posed by smoking. Cigarette advertising has also been banned. Still, the battle against the disease needs to be waged relentlessly. Studies conducted by the World Health Organization show that smokers aren’t the only ones at high risk of developing tobacco-related diseases. WHO records show that over 600,000 people die each year of illnesses caused by second-hand smoke, with 165,000 of the fatalities children. WHO studies show that in 2004, second-hand smoke led to 379,000 deaths due to ischemic heart disease, 165,000 from lower respiratory inspections, 36,900 from asthma and 21,400 from lung cancer. Of the 603,000 deaths from second-hand smoke recorded in that year, women accounted for 47 percent; children, 28 percent; and men, 26 percent. Among the children, the deaths occurred in the first few years of life. Those grim statistics should strengthen the resolve of governments to intensify measures to curb smoking. With May 31 marked as World No Tobacco Day, the Philippine government can review the WHO’s Tobacco-Free Initiative. In Metro Manila and other areas, enforcement of the smoking ban needs to be tightened. Supervisors of shopping malls, dining places and other commercial establishments should take it upon themselves to improve the enforcement of a measure that promotes public health. In this effort, chronic smoker President Aquino cannot provide the necessary leadership by example. In the name of public health, however, he must support initiatives and issue directives that will spare others, especially children and other non-smokers, from the potentially fatal hazards of smoking. -o-0-o- Still in the local front, “InterAksyon.com”, the online news portal of TV5, came out with the following article on Thursday, May 31 during the observance of “World No-Tobacco Day – 2012”: “Davao celebrates ten years as a ‘smoke-free’ city, and as an internationally-acclaimed example of a community successfully kicking a deadly habit”. “According to the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), the metropolis is "one of the most successful and pioneering smoke-free initiatives in the ASEAN." “Davao City's campaign against smoking began in 2002, spearheaded by then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. “While previous ordinances were already in place to combat smoking in public places, these were so-called "sleeping ordinances," and were thus consolidated into what would become the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance passed by the city council in July 2002. “Duterte then formed the Anti-Smoking Task Force to execute the ordinance, which took effect in November of the same year. “His daughter, the present Mayor of Davao City Sara Duterte-Carpio, has continued the crusade against smoking, saying their policy is being implemented to "protect public health." “Public places including schools, hospitals, government offices, playgrounds, and restaurants have since become smoke-free in Davao City. "Davao is fortunate to have government leaders who prioritize the health of the people and have the political will to support and enforce a comprehensive and stringent anti-smoking ordinance," SEATCA Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Program Manager Dr. Domilyn Villarreiz said. “According to Villarreiz, Davao City has garnered three Department of Health Red Orchid Awards for "100% smoke-free environments," as well as the Global Smoke-free Partnership Award to a Governmental Body for "exceptional leadership and commitment to further smoke-free policies." “Following in Davao City's footsteps are other Southeast Asian locations, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Malaysia's Malacca, known for its 17th century Dutch buildings; Laos' Luang Prabang, recognized for its traditional architecture; and Cambodia's Angkor Wat, famed for its ancient temples. “More than 40 locations in the Philippines are also looking to become smoke-free, according to SEATCA” We have taken the liberty to reprint the above news article in its entirety here in the hope that authorities/officials of national agencies/offices and those of local government units (LGUs) in other cities and towns, including barangays, throughout the country, will take heed and follow the examples shown by the likes of the Dutertes in making Davao City as a "smoke-free" city, and as an internationally-acclaimed example of a community successfully kicking a deadly habit! -o-0-o- WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY AWARDEES Every year, WHO recognizes individuals or organizations in each of the six WHO Regions for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control. This recognition takes the form of WHO Director-General Special Recognition Awards, World No Tobacco Day Awards, and in 2012, one WHO Director-General's Special Recognition Certificate. WHO Director-General Special awards: + -- Dr José Agenor Álvares da Silva, Director, Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, Brazil + -- His Excellency Prime Minister Karim Massimov, the Republic of Kazakhstan WHO Director-General's Special Recognition certificate + -- Professor Chen Zhu, Mini, Minister of Health, People's Republic of China Western Pacific Region awardees: + -- Atty. Francis N. Tolentino, Chairman, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Republic of the Philippines + -- Korean Association on Smoking or Health, Republic of Korea South-East Asia Region awardees + -- Honorable dr Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih, Dr Ph, Minister of Health, the Republic of Indonesia + -- Dr Praveen Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Population, Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal + -- Dr Atiur Rahman, Governor, Central Bank of Bangladesh, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh + -- Professor Carlo Fonseka, Chairman, National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka + -- Cancer Patients Aid Association, India + -- Dr Monika Arora, Head, Health Promotion and Tobacco Control, Public Health Foundation of India, India African Region awardees + -- Brufut Lower Basic School, the Republic of the Gambia + -- Dr Toure Fatoumata Diallo, Association de lutte contre le tabac et autres stupéfiants au Mali (ALUTAS MALI), the Republic of Mali + -- Coalition Against Tobacco (CAT), the Federal Republic of Nigeria + -- Dr Abdoul Aziz Kasse, Ligue Sénégálaise contre le Tabac (LISTAB), the Republic of Senegal + -- Dr Deo Sekimpi, Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health, the Republic of Uganda + -- Mr Tinashe Munjoma, Meikles Hotel, the Republic of Zimbabwe Region of the Americas awardees + -- The Honourable Senator Ernesto Soro, Mexico + -- Corporate Accountability International, the United States of America Eastern Mediterranean Region awardees + -- Dr Maha Al Kawari, Consultant, Family Physician, Representative on the Gulf Cooperation Council + -- Anti-Tobacco Committee, Ministry of Health, the Kingdom of Bahrain + -- Dr Marziye Vahid Dastjerdi, Minister of Health and Head of the National Tobacco Control + -- + -- + -- Headquarters, the Islamic Republic of Iran + -- Dr Sami Al Nasser, Head of Public Health State, Ministry of Health, the State of Kuwait + -- Mr Mamdouh Sayed Omar, Under Secretary of Egyptian Sales Taxes Administration, Ministry of + -- Finance, the Arab Republic of Egypt + -- Mr Mutaa Majzoub, Executive Director, Riaya Islamic Welfare Association, the Lebanese Republic + -- Dr Majed Abdullah Al Munif, Tobacco Control Program, Ministry of Health, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia European Region awardees + -- Honorable Dr Andrei Usatîi, Minister of Health, the Republic of Moldova + -- Professor Dr Cevdet Erdol, President of Health, Family, Labor and Social Affairs Commission, Grand + -- National Assembly, the Republic of Turkey + -- Mrs Patti White, National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Nothern Ireland + -- Ms Jean King, Director of Tobacco Control at Cancer Research, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Nothern Ireland + -- Ms Sylviane Ratte, Senior Adviser, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, the French Republic -o-0-o- By way of a final advice and reminder on the ill-effects of tobacco on one’s health and general well-being, I would like to share to you, my dear fellow iluko.com members the following “quotable quotes”: + -- “The quickest way to make a red light turn green is to go searching for your cigarette lighter in the glove compartment.” ~~ Gary Doney + -- “Who's the fool? The fool's the one who fools himself that he's fooling others.” ~~ Malcolm S Forbes + -- "Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life." ~~ Brooke Shields, during an interview to become spokesperson for a federal anti-smoking campaign. + -- Overheard, "You know, lady, you don't actually smoke. The cigarette does all the smoking, you are just the sucker!" + -- "It is now proved beyond doubt that smoking is one of the leading causes of statistics." ~~ Fletcher Knebel, Reader's Digest, December 1961. -o-0-o-

name	datestamp	comment	rating
Cresencio Yagin	6/7/2012 5:48:27 PM	Kadagiti agsigarilyo. Maikkatan koma iti orasda, kadagiti tiempo nga panagsigarilyoda.Nangnangruna kadagiti agtrabaho kadagiti opisina. Awansa ti maipakat a mangatipa kadagiti agsigsigarilyo. Uray ibagam nga ipatay ket dida met patpatien.Ti kagurak pay unay a makita ket dagitay agkurkorang langarud ti igatangda kadagiti pagbiagda nga makan ,igatangda da payla ti sigarilyo. Uray koma no isuda laeng, saanda koma nga mangiraman iti sabali nga agsagaba.	0
Angel Rizalina Abaya Garcia	6/5/2012 2:37:55 PM	Allyssa, adingko, uray siak I agree with you and the others that smoking should be banned in all public places, and if possible, should be banned altogether! As always, this is a very nice and relevant article, adingko.	5
John Viloria Cachola Jr.	6/5/2012 9:04:49 AM	If you're a smoker, do you ever realize how much you save if you quit smoking? Thanks for this article, Allyssa.	5
Joker Castro Santamaria	6/4/2012 4:32:25 PM	Allyssa, for the first time, you have shared with us an article in which I am not sure how to react, more so with the comments made by the beauties here before me. For yes, I do smoke... and I must admit, I have tried without much success to do away with it. But maybe... I didn't try hard enough... Anyway, just the same, I offer you a bouquet of red roses, all with red tips, as always! And yes, if it matters to you and the other beauties, I am going to keep on trying... so please, wish me luck!	5
Vanessa V. Vergara	6/4/2012 2:46:17 PM	Sis Allyssa, how could I not agree with sis Malea and Katkat. How I hate the smell of cigarettes. To tell you the truth, ang unang hinahanap ko sa lalaki ay yong HINDI NANINIGARILYO, kundi basted siya kaagad sa akin! At 'yon namang ibang mga kalahi natin na naninigarilyo... wala akong masabi!	5
Anna Malea B. Sales	6/4/2012 2:30:52 AM	Insan, hi again! Yes, I agree with Katrina. I think it's high time that we make it illegal not only smoking but also manufacturing and selling cigarettes! Bakit kasi alam na natin na masama sa ating kalusugan ang paninigarilyo, sige pa rin tayo sa bisyong ito! Alam mo, Insan, tamang-tama yong introductory poem dito sa article mo: “A weed among the plants we find That hurts the body and the mind, Yet in the way of self-abuse, We see it constantly in use!"	5
Katrina Joy M. Galimba	6/4/2012 2:12:18 AM	Ate, Allyssa, ako na ang unang babati at magpapasalamat sa'yo sa article mong ito. How I wish mabasa at makinig at gumawa ng paraan ang mga concerned authorities tungkol dito. How I wish ipagbawal na sa lahat na public places ang pagsisigarilyo! O kaya ay ipagbawal na ang pagtitinda ng sigarilyo! Again, thank you, ate at regards and God bless!	5