The state-run hospital recently made an art installation of 321 pairs of shoes and slippers at their main lobby to commemorate the death of 321 Filipinos due to tobacco-related diseases.
Lung Center of the Philippines Chair for Advocacy Dr. Jessica Catalan-Legarda in a statement said the country needs an ecosystem of policies that will make it easier for Filipinos to quit the deadly habit of smoking.
“Raising taxes on tobacco products and banning their advertising, promotions, and sponsorships are just some of the policies needed to create a healthier environment for Filipinos,” Catalan-Legarda said.
For her part, Lung Center of the Philippines’ Smoking Cessation Program Manager and Department of Health (DOH) Quitline Project Director Dr. Glynna Ong-Cabrera said to quit smoking is not just a matter of personal responsibility.
She said every day, up to 321 Filipinos die because tobacco companies continue to sell and market their addictive and deadly products.
“Tobacco products are designed to make it difficult for smokers to quit, putting them at risk to develop tobacco-related diseases which may eventually lead to death,” Ong-Cabrera said.
Meanwhile, the ImagineLaw maintained that “tobacco companies’ business model thrives on addiction and death”.
ImagineLaw executive director lawyer Sophia San Luis said as the country sets to enter into a new administration, she urge the new set of leaders to be vigilant and reject any attempt by the tobacco industry to prevent the implementation of life-saving tobacco control measures
“Tobacco companies are neither our friends nor allies,” San Luis said
On the other hand, the art installation composed of 321 pairs of footwear is open for viewing until Friday, June 3.
Lung Center of the Philippines installs 321 pairs of shoes to commemorate 321 Filipino deaths daily due to tobacco. 📸 ImagineLaw
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