MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday launched a tobacco cessation contest for smokers and vapers, providing an opportunity for those who have quit tobacco to win cash prizes.
According to the DOH, the “Stop and Gain” contest is open to smokers and vapers who have quit since July 1, 2022 or in the last six months.
“The goal of the contest is to encourage more smokers to quit while celebrating their choice for a healthier life and to emphasize the message that by quitting smoking, there is more to win,” said Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Philippines Executive Director, Dr. Maricar Limpin during the launch of the program in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
“When you stop smoking, you gain so much more. You gain your health, reclaim your life, achieve quality life, and secure precious moments with your loved ones,” she added.
Interested individuals may join the contest by registering online by completing and submitting the forms accessible through the official ASH Philippines Facebook page from August 8 to October 31, 2023.
Registered contestants must then commit to abstaining from smoking throughout the contest period.
Contestants may get the chance to win cash prizes with the DOH and ASH Philippines set to determine the winners via a raffle draw on November 22, 2023.
Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) Executive Director Dr. Vincent Balanag. Jr said that based on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, a total of 13.5 million Filipinos smoke manufactured cigarettes as of 2021.
However, the percentage of adults smoking dropped by 19.5 percent, Balanag said, which he attributed to government action.
“Hopefully, makakatulong din ang aming smoking cessation efforts dito sa pagbaba ng prevalence of smoking among adult Filipinos,” said Balanag.
(Hopefully, our smoking cessation efforts will also help in reducing the prevalence of smoking among adult Filipinos.)
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