Philippine delegation praised for defending farmers, tobacco-reliant communities at WHO FCTC talks

The Philippine delegation to the ongoing 11th Conference of the Parties (COP) of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) received strong praise from farmer groups and advocates for asserting the country's sovereign right to assess proposed measures in accordance with national priorities and capacities-particularly where these measures could affect rural livelihoods and tobacco-growing communities.

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Ambassador Carlos Sorreta, head of the Philippine delegation to the WHO FCTC, underscored in his opening statement the importance of responsible transitions for communities that still depend on tobacco as the crop still supports communities in the Philippines.

"We must ensure transitions are socially and economically responsible as we work to diversify livelihoods and sustain investments, consistent with our laws and the Convention," he said.

He also stressed that the Philippines places importance on "sovereignty and different national contexts in the implementation of guidance."