MRSWISE DREAMS OF A #SMOKEFREEPH

This blog article is very PERSONAL. It tackles one of the many issues that I have been fighting for since I started working -- SMOKING!

Credit:  SmokeFreePH FB page

BRIEF BACKGROUND:

In 1992, I got lucky to be accepted as a writer in one of the leading TV networks of the country. Lucky, because I fulfilled a long time dream of mine to write and get immersed in a fast-paced and very challenging industry. My work often involved long hours, no sleep for 48 days, and stress 24-7.  But I didn't quit. Because I thought it was all part of the job.

Not until in 2012. It was the year when I was diagnosed with a pulmonary disease. I decided, it was the end of the line for me. I prioritized my health and my family over work. 

20 long years in TV production. I know, the culprit for my illness is too much stress. And being exposed to second hand smoke.

There were times, non-smoker like me will be exposed to "smoking bosses" presiding meetings. All I can do was to cover my mouth and nose with a face towel. And took the risk of being labelled as an asshole. Yes, they labelled me as the matigas ang ulo na writer.  Let me ask you now, was that fair?

Co-workers will constantly smoke during shoots and tapings outside the studio. And I will always end up going home with a cough or a sore throat.

Which made me think -- I HAVE A RIGHT TO CLEAN AIR. WHY ARE YOU POLLUTING THE AIR I BREATHE?

I find it so unfair -- that I, who have never smoked in my life - would end up with health issues. 

SMOKING IN THE FAMILY

My husband used to smoke. Around 2 packs a day. I asked him to quit when we had my daughter in 2000.  He finally kicked off the habit in 2009. I was the happiest person when he did that.  Hubby became addicted to biking. He would bike to work almost everyday. It was a challenging journey to a healthy lifestyle.

During this time, I began to immerse myself with gardening. It was also a step to a healthy lifestyle. We now enjoy eating fresh, organic veggies from the garden. I also planted several trees around the house -- for better supply of oxygen.

SMOKE-FREE PHILIPPINES

When I was invited to the blog con of #SmokeFreePH - I was just so passionate to tell my story.

But let me tell you guys, what #SmokeFreePH is fighting for -- to increase tobacco tax in the hope that it will lead to 1 million less smokers by 2022.  That is ONE MILLION LIVES saved!  If that includes my two children, and yours too... won't you be supporting this cause?

 

Antonio Dans,, Jo-Ann Latuja Diosana, Yasmin Mapua-Tang and Kaloi Garcia

The Philippine Cancer Society estimates that around 3000 non-smoking adult Filipinos die every year of lung cancer as a result of inhaling second hand smoke.

If only people will respect Executive Order #26, signed last year by President Duterte and put into implementation July of last year.

TRUE STORY:

In line with EO #26, let me share with you my rant I posted last August about a Quezon City worker who reprimanded a smoker, for throwing his cigarette butt within the premises of the Quezon City hall.  

Don't you think it was strange. As an enforcer, you reprimand someone for littering, but you deny of being aware of the President's EO?  All because, he cannot give up the habit!

MRS. WISE SUPPORTS #SmokeFreePH

As a blogger and a mother, I support this advocacy. It clearly will lessen the teens' access to cigarettes and tobacco if they cannot afford it. 

Also, the said increase will also help fund the recently passed Universal Health Care Law. UHC will need 257B for the first year of implementation, and there is a current funding gap of 164B.   

Please... if you love your family, please quit smoking.