MANILA, Philippines — Advocates of tobacco harm reduction signed on Wednesday a manifesto calling for multi-sectoral measures towards a smoke-free country, through accessible science-backed data and alternatives to tobacco products. The manifesto was signed by representatives from the Nicotine Consumers Union of the Philippines (NCUP), Smokefree Conversations PH, Philippine E-Cigarette Industry Association (PECIA), Quit for Good, Consumer Choice Philippines, VaperAko, VapersPH, CAPS and Partners, and the Science & Innovation Nicotine Advocacy Group (SINAG) in a hotel in Mandaluyong City. Among others, the manifesto calls for empowering the public by providing “better choices instead of continuing to smoke harmful cigarettes.” It raised the need “to recognize that tobacco harm reduction is a lifeline, especially for adult smokers who do not quit.” It also highlighted the importance “to assert our national sovereignty by defending our Vape Law (RA 11900) on the global stage, which recognizes tobacco harm reduction as a public health strategy.” Advocates said RA 11900, otherwise known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, aims to address the effects of smoking, ensure that the sale of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products is prohibited among minors, and illicit trade of these products is prevented. Citing available data, the advocates said the smoking rate among Filipino adults rose to 23.3 percent in 2023 from 18.5 percent in 2021; thus, a need to provide alternatives to those who want to quit tobacco smoking. NCUP founder Anton Israel, in an interview on the sidelines of the event, said the public should realize that RA 11900 is an option to smokers who want to quit tobacco use but cannot do so immediately because smoking is already part of their system. He said authorities should explain to the public, especially the minors, the distinction between tobacco products and the vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products. “So, if they (the minors) understand this distinction, they would be discouraged to use vapes,” he added. Israel said that while vapes have negative health effects, it is less compared to tobacco products, citing also that some smokers who shifted to vapes eventually gave up smoking because their bodies were able to slowly get rid of the addiction.