The Philippine delegation to the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) drew strong commendation from farmer groups and rural advocates for asserting the country’s sovereign right to evaluate global health proposals through the lens of national priorities—particularly those with implications for rural livelihoods and tobacco-dependent communities.
In his opening statement, Ambassador Carlos Sorreta, who leads the Philippine delegation, underscored the importance of ensuring that any transition away from tobacco production does not undermine the communities that still depend on it for economic stability.
“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 likewise stressed that the Philippines values “sovereignty and different national contexts in the implementation of guidance.”
The delegation’s stance highlighted that recommendations under the FCTC are non-binding, meant to guide—rather than dictate—national implementation, and should be adopted only when aligned with existing domestic laws and inter-agency processes.
This position earned support from groups warning that certain proposals raised at COP11 could risk severe socio-economic disruption if pursued without regard for local conditions.
The Northern Luzon Alliance (NLA), a congressional coalition representing tobacco-growing provinces, said the Philippine stance helped prevent the adoption of measures incongruent with the agricultural realities of tobacco-growing areas.
“We applaud the Philippine delegation for standing up for the welfare of farmers, consumers, and communities in tobacco-growing provinces and not agreeing to proposals to end government support for growers, impose quotas, and phase out tobacco sales are unrealistic, overly punitive, and incompatible with the country’s agricultural and economic realities,” the group said.
“Had these proposals been accepted, it would have amounted to an economic death sentence for entire agricultural provinces and the industries linked to them. Such measures would severely harm rural livelihoods, disrupt lawful industries, and jeopardize revenues that fund essential public services,” they added.
The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) also pointed to the longstanding importance of tobacco to rural economies. “Tobacco remains a primary source of livelihood across nearly 20 provinces… More importantly, this is the only decent source of income many families have known for generations.” The group said the delegation’s approach reflected awareness of the realities faced by rural communities. “In protecting our farmers and the communities reliant on this crop, the Philippine delegation has done an act of compassion and fairness. They chose to listen to the people who would have suffered first and most. For that, we are deeply grateful. They protected not just our crops, but our dignity and our future.”
