About Us
The Center for Health Development - Metro Manila (CHD-MM) is one of, if not, the premier regional office of the Department of Health in charge of tobacco control program. It is located within the Metro Manila with a population size of 10 million Filipinos. 35% of the population is currently smoking (3.5 million). Metro Manila has a very young population with 36% in the category aged 18 years or less. The current prevalence rate among 12-17 yrs. (GYTS, 2007) is 25%. Thus, it is vey important to provide an environment that is conducive for a 100% smoke-free policy knowing that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.
U-Philippines 2-38 (hereafter, ‘The Project’) works closely with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP), a volunteer organization whose members donate their time, passion, resources and personal funds to push for tobacco control advocacy. It has successfully collaborated with the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been instrumental in pushing for landmark legislations as its initial step to some form of tobacco control in the country. FCAP was successful in attracting a BI Round 1 Grant. The Project also works closely with the University of the Philippines Law Center (UPLC) on legal, legislative and enforcement issues. UPLC is also a recipient of a BI Grant from TFK.
Despite the enactment of national tobacco legislation through Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, the ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), and the increased excise tax on tobacco under Republic Act 9334, tobacco control arguably holds only a minor position in the list of the national priorities because of other poverty and health issues. In addition, the tobacco industry is powerful, well-organized and very effective in exerting its influence to delay or avoid public policy measure which might threaten profitability.
The purpose of the project is to achieve a “Smoke-free Manila” in the longer term (2+ years) by establishing in the short term (within 2 years) 7 model urban centers (Local Government Units) that are 100% Smoke-free, through media and communication strategies, capacity building for effective implementation and strict enforcement of local ordinances, policy advocacy and strategic partnerships.
Vision and Mission
Vision
Center for Health Development for Metro Manila as a center of excellence for urban health development
Mission
To organize, establish, develop urban health systems responsive to the physical, environmental, cultural and social conditions of urban communities through the participative involvement of all sectors leading to the upliftment of the physical, economic, cultural and social conditions of empowered communities through God-centered leadership, consultative processes and passionate commitment
Our Partners
MMDA
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
The METROPOLITAN MANILA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY performs planning, monitoring and coordinative functions, and in the process exercise regulatory and supervisory authority over the delivery of metro-wide services within Metro Manila without diminution of the authority of the Local Government Units (LGUs)
http://www.mmda.gov.ph/
DOTC
Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC)
The DOTC mission is to lead in the creation of an environment for the establishment and development of an integrated transportation and communications system that will foster the attainment of national development goals.
Health Justice
Bridging Health and Law
Law is a necessary element required to put public health policy into effect. Around the world, legislative measures exist to set standards for tobacco control, safe food, clean air, etc but since these measures do not exist in the Philippines, Filipinos are unnecessarily exposed to certain health risks that have already been eliminated or reduced in other countries through simple yet effective regulation and proper enforcement of laws.
HealthJustice brings together professionals from the relevant fields of science, medicine, economics, and law to create powerful tools for policy change.
http://healthjustice.ph/