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February 28, 2026
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Public health think tank HealthJustice Philippines joined government leaders, diplomats, international civil society groups, and advocates at the Tobacco Control Legacies in Bangkok, Thailand to celebrate the 25th anniversary of regional partner Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA).
The event highlighted significant regional progress in tobacco control; and recognized government and civil society leaders who made significant contributions through the years. The awardees were Singapore’s Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, Mr. Ong Ye Kung, who was awarded the inaugural Prakit Vathesatogkit Trailblazer Award. Other awardees were Dr. Phan Thi Hai of the Ministry of Health, Vietnam, who received the inaugural Judith Mackay Torchbearer Award, and Dr. Katthanaphone Phandouangsy and Dr. Maniphanh Vongphosy of Lao PDR, who were jointly conferred the SEATCA Unsung Hero Award.
The event was a tribute to the legacies of Prof. Judith Mackay and Dr. Prakit Vathesatogkit, two pioneers whose many decades of advocacy and leadership have shaped tobacco control and raised the bar in efforts to counter tobacco industry interference in Asia and globally.
“For 25 years, SEATCA has played a pivotal role in advancing tobacco control efforts across Southeast Asia. This milestone marks a significant achievement not only for SEATCA but also for the entire public health community in the region. As a longstanding partner and ally, we proudly celebrate SEATCA’s accomplishments and commend the leaders recognized at this event for setting inspiring examples in tobacco control policies for the rest of the world to follow,” said Mary Ann Fernandez-Mendoza, President of HealthJustice.
In a recent report by HealthJustice, tobacco industry interference in the Philippines has intensified in recent years, reaching its highest level in 2025 with a score of 70.
“We stand on the shoulders of pioneering tobacco control advocates, Prof. Judith Mackay and Dr. Prakit Vathesatogkit, who this event is in tribute to. It is our responsibility to carry forward their legacy in protecting public health from tobacco industry interference,” Fernandez-Mendoza added. “Today, the tobacco industry continues to insert itself into policymaking through corporate social responsibility activities and the proliferation of youth-targeted products. We must carry on the torch, and ensure that our policies truly prioritize the health of our people and remain free from the influence of harmful corporate agendas.”
Southeast Asia has emerged as the third-largest vape market in the world. In the Philippines, over 14% of students aged 13–15 are using vapes, with the country recording the first EVALI-related death in 2024 involving a 22-year-old male. Meanwhile, six ASEAN countries – Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam – have already implemented bans on vape products.
“The Philippines has much to learn from the tobacco control policies of our ASEAN neighbors which we honored in this event. Six ASEAN countries have already banned vapes, and it is high time that we follow their lead. We cannot afford more EVALI-related deaths, especially among our youth, who are the future of our nation. As we celebrate milestones in tobacco control across Southeast Asia, we must look ahead and use this momentum to advance stronger, more comprehensive tobacco control policies throughout the region,” Fernandez-Mendoza concluded.
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Contact person/s:
Mariz Amante Wee
Communications Officer, HealthJustice
+63998-885-1080 / +974-669-86655
Anelle Cortez
Project Coordinator, HealthJustice
+639178139696
