Jump to full article: Cebu City Sun Star (ph), 2010-07-15
Intro: THE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) will continue opposing any move to reduce tobacco production in the country unless government would effectively put in place measures that will counter the expected loss of jobs that could affect thousands of tobacco farmers and stakeholders.
Rex Antonio P. Teoxon, department manager of the Corporate Planning Department and officer-in-charge of the Industrial Research Department of NTA, reiterated the agency's stand in view of the objective of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Council (FCTC) negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization, in which the Philippines is a signatory, to encourage the stop of tobacco consumption. . . .
Article 10 pertains to measures requiring manufacturers and importers to disclose to government authorities information about the contents and emissions of these products.
Article 9 is sponsored by Canada, which may bring into the international arena its local legislation, Bill C-32 which bans the manufacture and sale of cigarettes containing 5,000 flavorings and additives, including those used in traditional blended cigarettes.
This, Teoxon warned, is threatening the local tobacco industry, to the detriment of stakeholders.
The local tobacco industry, according to Teoxon, provides livelihood and sustenance to two million people including 600,000 tobacco farmers and families. It generates more than P30 billion in taxes annually, which help government fund education, health, welfare, infrastructure and economic programs all over the country.
Under Executive Order 245, the NTA is mandated to improve the economic and living conditions of tobacco farmers and those who depend on the industry.
It is also tasked to promote the balanced and integrated growth of the tobacco industry to help make agriculture a solid basis for industrialization.
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