CAMP Asia joins World No Tobacco Day

Smoking is considered as the most avoidable cause of early disease and death nowadays, according to the 2009 Global Adult Tobacco Survey. In lieu of this, the Center for Asian Mission for Poor (CAMP) Asia, through the funding support of Community Chest of Korea joined the worldwide celebration of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2014. 

The event started with a parade around Towerville Phase 6 with the ETS volunteers handing out anti-smoking flyers to the residents. The parade commenced and concluded at the Marangal Elementary School Covered Court where a short program was held.

The program started out with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem which was followed by a moment of silence. 

Mr. Norby Salonga, Project Manager of Towerville Phase 6 then gave a very sensible opening remarks, pointing out the need for community members to be proactive in the campaign, especially in taking care of the young ones.

A short orientation to the campaign was given by Mr. Erick Bernardo, CDA of the Towerville Phase 6 Medical Project. 

Mr. Rey Verdolaga of PhilHealth.

Invited guests from both the public and private sectors gave their lectures to the attendees, young children and adults alike, which summed up to a whooping seven hundred fifty one (751).

Mr. Rey Verdolaga, Development Management Officer II of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) mentioned about the benefits the agency is getting from the Sin Tax Law. He emphasized that 6 million Filipinos take advantage of the indigency program of PhilHealth, all of which came from the recently ratified Sin Tax Law. 

Mr. Dan Mangahas of City Health Office

The next presenter was Mr. Daniel Mangahas, a Community Health Nurse from the City Health Office who discussed about San Jose del Monte City’s efforts on smoking cessation . He mentioned that since 1998, the city government has already passed several ordinances to counter smoking. 

Brgy. Gaya-Gaya Councilor and Chairman of the Health Committee Hon. Roberto Gilles gave a message of support lauding CAMP Asia’s efforts and initiatives. 

Dr. Maila Rostata of Center for Health Development III

Dr. Maila Rostrata, Medical Officer III, Head of the Non-Communicable Disease Cluster and Tobacco Control Coordinator of the Center for Health Development III shared the department’s campaign on a smoke-free Philippines – the Red Orchid Awards – this is given to LGUs with a strong campaign against smoking. She even posed a challenge to San Joseños as neither the city nor the province has been conferred with such award. 

Health Justice Philippines Project Coordinator on Southeast Asia Initiative on Tobacco Taxation, Mr. Ralph Emerson Degollacion showed the participants with a sample of the proposed Graphic  Health Warning Bill, wherein cigarettes will bear pictures of the harmful effects of smoking. This bill is currently being debated in both Lower and Upper Houses of Congress. 

After all the speakers have given their talks, a short open forum was held to provide the participants with the opportunity to interact with the speakers. Questions from the audience were of wide range – from PhilHealth benefits to what can be done when stores sell cigarettes to minors. All of the questions were welcomed and answered in full force by the speakers.

Subsequent to the open forum, Dr. Rosan Badon, CAMP Community Doctor lead the oathtaking and signing of the commitment manifesto of working together towards a healthier community. All of the attendees participated in the oathtaking ceremonies. The speakers, together with other CAMP Asia staff and volunteers signed the manifesto.

The afternoon session was  solely dedicated to the awarding ceremonies of the slogan and poster making competition held in conjunction with the Anti-Smoking Campaign launch last May 10. 

Out of the thirty-three (33) and forty-three (43) entries  to the slogan and poster making respectively, there were twenty (20) slogans and eight (8) posters which made it to the shortlisting. 

The artworks were then presented to a panel of judges last May 21 which led to the announcement of the Top 10 finalists. Each of the ten finalists received their certificates of recognition. Moreover, souvenir shirts with the finalists’ slogans and posters were also awarded. 

Furthermore, certificates of achievement were given to John Benz Billo, 14 and Jimnel Ingles, 15 for being the first placers in both categories.  The top three finalists in both categories also received cash prices.

Dr. Rosan Badon formally ended the day’s activities by giving a closing remarks. She emphasized the importance of living a smoke-free life not just for oneself’s advantage but moreso for the entire community.