Philip Morris sees bright future for tobacco sector

The Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 or Republic Act 9211 will not spell the untimely demise of the local tobacco industry as predicted by sectors opposing the new law.

"On the contrary, we see a bright future for the tobacco industry," said Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. (PMPMI) managing director Chris Nelson in a speech titled "Understanding and supporting the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003" at the 11th National Public Relations Congress at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City.

Nelson said PMPMI supports the landmark legislation because "regulation provides stability and predictability for the business, allowing all cigarette manufacturers to compete on a level playing field."

"We support regulation of the tobacco industry. Regulation enables us to pursue the goal of growing our cigarette business in an environment where everyone abides by the same rules and in a way that addresses society’s concerns," Nelson said.

Nelson said PMPMI is optimistic about the prospects of the tobacco industry under RA 9211, citing the company’s own activities. In recent months, it launched L&M, its first product that will compete in the medium-priced category in the domestic market.

"We continue to consider introducing new brands in the market."

PMPMI also has started manufacturing cigarettes for export to Thailand, with this years’s production projected at 2.8 billion sticks worth $20 million, Nelson said.

Earlier, Nelson announced that some 600 tons of quality Burley tobacco from Isabela worth P95 million will be exported this year to Philip Morris International (PMI) affiliates in the United States, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Malaysia, and Australia.

"We expect more home-grown tobacco to be exported as we assist some 4,000 tobacco farmers in the Northern Philippines by teaching them good agricultural practices and giving them the necessary technology. This would mean more livelihood for our tobacco farmers," Nelson stressed, adding that PMPMI will intensify its agronomy program to help local farmers produce high quality crop. – Rocel Felix