Urgent Need to Strengthen Tobacco Control in Philippine

According to a recent study conducted by the International Global Tobacco Control Research Institute (IGTC), it has been found that despite Philippine regulations prohibiting the sale, display, advertising, and promotion of tobacco products within a 100-meter radius of schools, these activities are still ongoing. The researchers have called for stricter enforcement of existing laws and a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and displays nationwide.

The study simultaneously monitored the sales and marketing of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products in 6,617 retail locations within 200 meters of 353 schools in nine cities or regions from December 2022 to January 2023. The results revealed that within 100 meters of most schools, there were 2,070 cigarette retailers, 43 e-cigarette retailers, and 33 retailers selling heated tobacco products.

Among the surveyed 1,011 tobacco retailers, it was observed that 98% of them sell cigarettes individually. Additionally, tobacco advertisements, including graphical printed signs and posters, were found to be highly prevalent both outdoors and indoors across all types of retailers.

A study has also found that despite policies explicitly prohibiting the sale to individuals under the age of 21, only 11% of cigarette retailers, 4% of e-cigarette retailers, and 48% of HTP retailers have clear visible signage. Flavored tobacco and nicotine products are also very common among retailers, including 90% of cigarette retailers and 98% of e-cigarette retailers.

The scientist Jennifer Brown from IGTC stated that strengthening the existing policy that prohibits the sale and advertising of tobacco products within a 100-meter radius of schools, along with the implementation of a nationwide comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotions, and sponsorships, can safeguard the health of Filipino youth and reduce the death and disease rates caused by tobacco consumption in the Philippines.

According to the International Global Tobacco Control (IGTC), the implementation of a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship is one of the most effective methods for countries to reduce tobacco demand, increase influence, and alleviate economic burdens.