The Department of Health (DOH), together with the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Philippines, announced the three winners of the Stop and Gain, the first-ever smoking cessation contest in the country.
The contest is an initiative jointly organized by DOH, LCP, and ASH Philippines which was opened exclusively to former smokers across the nation who had quit for at least six months before the contest announcement and had remained smoke-free and vape-free.
This contest represents the first nationwide effort to motivate and encourage smokers and vape users to quit tobacco or nicotine use and realize the benefits of living a healthier, tobacco-free life.
“The ‘Stop and Gain’ contest is a seismic shift in our nation’s tobacco control initiative by empowering individuals to quit smoking.”
“The ‘Stop and Gain’ contest is a seismic shift in our nation’s tobacco control initiative by empowering individuals to quit smoking. This pioneering effort has changed lives and ignited a powerful ripple effect in our collective journey towards the smoke-free Philippines,” said ASH Philippines Executive Director Dr. Maricar Limpin.
During its five-month run, the Stop and Gain contest attracted over 1,100 participants across the country.
The following are the three grand prize winners who were selected from a raffle draw following rigorous validation processes and were given P5,000 each.
Mr. Noel Mandawe, Baguio City, Benguet
Mr. Jesus Samson, Carmona, Cavite
Ms. Juvie Ann Yatar, Kalibo, Aklan
In addition, the smoking cessation facilities are recognized for their crucial role in ensuring that former smokers from their respective jurisdictions receive smoking cessation support services and for their outstanding efforts in registering the high numbers of eligible participants.
These smoking cessation facilities include:
97 Entries – Carmona City Health Office, Carmona, Cavite
50 Entries – Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Hospital, Kalibo, Aklan
17 Entries – Maasin City Health Unit, Southern Leyte
10 Entries – Sanchez Mira Health Office, Cagayan
“Through this contest, we have realized that countless individuals have a profound desire to break free from the shackles of smoking and embrace a life free of its grasp. The success of this contest not only reaffirms our unwavering dedication of advancing public health but underscores the significance of innovative approaches in building a tobacco-free future for our country,” said Roberto Del Rosario, President of the Framework Convention Alliance on Tobacco Control Philippines (FCAP).
“They are examples of how it is to journey towards a healthier and smoke-free life.”
“The winners inspire all who struggle with tobacco and vape addiction. They are examples of how it is to journey towards a healthier and smoke-free life. Congratulations, and thank you to LCP and ASH Philippines for initiating this meaningful endeavor. Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga!” DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa concluded.
