President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the need to safeguard the livelihood of Filipino tobacco farmers.
“We must seek ways to protect the livelihood of thousands of our tobacco farmers,” the President said at the opening of the 1st International Tobacco Agricultural Summit at Shangri-la The Fort in Taguig City.
Mr. Marcos said his administration is committed to safeguarding the livelihood of tobacco farmers, recognizing that it is a “vibrant catalyst for economic growth in the country” particularly in Mindanao and Northern Luzon.
He said the tobacco industry is a “significant source of tax revenues that are used to fund government programs.”
“It is an indispensable bedrock that generates income, livelihood, opportunities, and employment, particularly in areas where its cultivation spans generations and holds pivotal significance in the way of life of its communities,” he said.
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc delivered the President’s speech at the summit, saying the forum is “a good opportunity to discuss strategies to innovate the tobacco industry in ways that safeguard the wellbeing of people and the environment.”
The President expressed hope that the summit would yield measures to promote responsible agricultural practices and ensure jobs for tobacco farmers.
He said the summit’s “future-driven discussion that would help bring tobacco farming and its allied industries into the future.”
Meanwhile, the National Tobacco Administration said it is assisting more than 25,000 tobacco farmers. There are also 2.2 million workers and their dependents relying on the tobacco production segment of the industry.
NTA regulatory head Robert Ambros said foregone revenues this year from tobacco smuggling reached P16 billion, and that revenue losses due to illicit tobacco trade is expected was exceed P30 billion by the end of the year.
Mindanao, Visayas and Northern Luzon were cited as “hotspots” for illicit tobacco trade, based on Philippine National Police data.
Asked on how the agencies were addressing the issue, NTA said it is supporting efforts against illicit trade, adding that the agency has a coordinating mechanism with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs.