Regional Workshop on Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC

by Jamael Jacob
 
Last February 27 and 28, FCAP sent a contingent to a regional workshop on the implementation of Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which was held at the Rose Garden (Suan Sampran) in Thailand. Entitled “Free From Tobacco Industry Interference,” the affair was organized by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) and co-hosted by WHO Thailand, ASH Thailand, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and the Framework Convention Alliance (FCA).
 
The primary objective of the gathering was to share and discuss strategies regarding the implementation of the above-mentioned provision of the WHO public health treaty.

FCAP Executive Director Dr. Encarnita Limpin, Atty. Jamael Jacob and then media consultant Andrea Echavez represented FCAP. They were joined by other participants coming from both government offices to non-government organizations (NGOs), mostly from the different Southeast Asian countries. Japan and Mongolia were among those countries outside the region who also sent delegates.

The two-day event included discussions on the guidelines for the implementation of the aforesaid FCTC provision, case studies regarding past experiences of tobacco industry interference, and potential plans and strategies for countering such actions by the tobacco industry. This last portion was especially significant as each country, through its representatives, virtually promised to deliver concrete results as regards the implementation of Art. 5.3.
 
In the case of the Philippines, FCAP promised to work with the other country delegates from the Office of the President, Department of Health, Civil Service Commission, WHO Philippines and Healthjustice organization, in order to meet the goals set by the workshop.

The first meeting of the Philippine delegation to the Thailand workshop took place on April 15, and was hosted by Commissioner May Mendoza of the Civil Service Commission. Attended by almost all of the original delegates to the Thailand event, it was also graced by some representatives from the Department of Health and the UP College of Law.

One of the more important parts of the meeting included the delineation of responsibilities among the different organizations and/or institutions represented in the event. The group manifested its commitment to see to it that the undertakings identified would be accomplished, and that the continued cooperation among the group would be maintained.

The next meeting of the group will be held in May, and will then be hosted by Usec. Lorelei Fajardo.