The Department of Health (DOH) has urged local government units in Western Visayas to lead the implementation of tobacco control programs of the government.

Dr. Ivanhoe Escartin, director of the DOH - National Tobacco Control Coordinating Council said LGUs play a big role in the campaign against smoking.

Escartin, said during the launching of the National Tobacco Control Strategy (NCTS) yesterday at Sarabia Manor Hotel that apart from controlling smoking, LGUs should focus on campaigning about lifestyle change.

He said the country's plan of action in implementing tobacco control policies, programs and activities until 2016, focuses on four areas: increasing of excise tax for cigarette manufacturers, making public places smoke free, pictorial based warnings on cigarettes and creation of cessation clinics to help smokers recover.

The NCTS is in accordance with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of the World Health Organization.

Escartin noted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and chronic diseases due to tobacco remain as one of the top ten causes of death in the country.

Escartin, however, clarified that most NCD could be prevented if smoking will be eradicated in the Filipino lifestyle.

He said LGUs should be rigorous in banning smoking in public places.

He added that although tobacco advertising is already banned in the radio and television, billboards and print ads continue to proliferate, especially in rural areas.

"The public should be warned that these are prohibited by law," he said noting Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 which prohibits all tobacco advertisement, sponsorships and promotions.

Meanwhile, Escartin said the LGUs can do something to prevent smoking while the passage of the sin tax bill is still pending in the Congress.

"LGUs could increase the cost of business permit for those selling cigarettes," he said.

He also encouraged LGUs to target Red Orchid Award given to "smoke-free LGUs" in the country.

SIN TAX

Anton Ragos of the Action for Economic Reforms said that the passage of the Sin Tax bill pushing for higher taxes from the tobacco industry will help lessen the number of young people addictive to nicotine.

Ragos said higher prices of tobacco will help reduce the cigarette consumption in the country while giving the government additional revenues.

"You attain both goals of gaining income and reducing consumption," he pointed.*