The First Forum and Fellowship on Tobacco Control for the Media

We have the laws, we have the policies, we have the health warnings, and most of all the medical evidence to prove that smoking can be fatal. Sari-sari stores still stock cigarettes at on their shelves, and children sell them on the street. Big tobacco companies are still in business, smokers continue to spend up to 20% of their income on cigarettes, and more young people, especially teen women, are getting hooked into smoking.

We know all about it, but does the public have a clue?

The Probe Media Foundation, Inc. (PMFI) and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control - Alliance Philippines (FCAP) invite you to clear up the smokey veil of misunderstanding and unawareness. Be part of Mga Nagbabagang Kwento: Media Forum on Tobacco Control on February 12, 2010 at the Topaz room, Gateway Suites, 4th floor, Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.

 
The forum aims to bring together the best and brightest print, photo and broadcast journalists in the country in a one-day session, to discuss relevant topics on tobacco control. Dialogues between media practitioners, members of civil society, government and others will help clarify issues, including:

    *  Tobacco industry’s tactics to circumvent RA 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act, challenges on the government to implement the UN World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)

    *  A sense of the ongoing debates in Congress about the pending bills on Picture-Based Health Warnings in Cigarette Packs, and Sin Tax Restructuring through testimonies of legislators and government officials who witnessed the deliberation

    *  Views from the tobacco industry, such as methods of promoting the products, tobacco farmers, interference in policy, etc.

    *  Testimonies from victims of tobacco use

As one of the most influential agents in society, the public rely on media practitioners to tell the stories that have the power to inform and empower. Join PMFI, FCAP and tobacco control advocates reveal the stories that can make a difference.

When you attend the one-day forum, you have the chance to apply for the Tobacco Control Media Fellowship, where media professionals can submit story proposals on tobacco control issues. Grants of up to P75,000 will be available to ten selected media professionals, as support for stories on the issue, with technical support from PMFI and FCAP.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to tell the stories that can save lives.

To confirm your attendance to the Media Forum on Tobacco Control, please send an email with your name, media organization and contact details no later than February 8, 2010 to the Probe Media Foundation Inc., through pmfi@probefound.com or probefound@yahoo.com with the subject: Tobacco Control for Media Forum. Alternately, you may call PMFI at 433-4656 or send a fax through 433-0457.

You may also visit www.probefound.com for more details.

You may also download the Cover Letter and Info and Forms.