Smoke Signals
October 30, 2005 | 12:00am
CIGARETTE SMOKING is addictive.
Cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other serious diseases in smokers.
Smoking is dangerous.
These warnings arent just rallying cries for anti-smoking proponents, but also statements from the website of Philip Morris International, producer of cigarette brands Marlboro and Philip Morris, among others. Its under a section called "a clear and consistent message", under a prominent heading of "Smoking and Health". There is no hedging, no buts about it, no twisting of the issue, just a plain statement of the risks involved in smoking tobacco.
Many would have us believe that the tobacco industry is the enemy, out to make a profit off the lungs and lives of the people they lure into the smoking habit. That the industry clouds the facts with flashy advertising, and throws out lines of influence, using them to stop or slip past legislation and regulation. The industry, and the people in it, are caricatured by some into devious, manipulating monsters.
The reality is much more benign, and much more responsible: Chris Nelson, managing director of Philip Morris International (Philippines) Manufacturing, Inc., casually says, "We are, and always will be, in support of regulation, actually."
The affable Brit smiles, then goes on to explain that regulation is actually good for business: "The key issue in any business is planning. Regulation gives the industry a map with which it can go forward, because it clears up a lot of unknown factors. Because we have the necessary information, we can plan accordingly.
"Take the Tobacco Act (of 2003), for example. In July 2006, warning labels on the cigarettes will move from the side of the pack to the front, taking up 30 percent of it. Even as early as now, were planning around that, from material purchases to production and sales. Regulation gives everybody involved a set of clear and definite guidelines to work with."
Philip Morris Philippines is taking the issue of health and smoking seriously, working under Republic Act 9211the 2003 Tobacco Regulation Act, that restricts the advertising, sale, and distribution of tobacco products. The company is already taking initiative, especially with their youth smoking prevention programs. Philip Morris is pulling out of many sports sponsorships, like golf and basketball, because they are youth-oriented activities. Working with the University of Asia and the Pacific, theyre launching educational programs to inform kids about the dangers of smoking.
"Were very clear about acknowledging the risks involved," says Nelson. "We believe that, if you have concerns about smoking, you should take the advice of health experts and give it up. But for those adults who choose to continue to smoke, knowing the risks, we want them to choose our product, because we manufacture high-quality cigarettes."
Nelson, managing director in the Philippines for almost three years, took part in the dialog between all the parties involved in the regulation of tobacco in the country. Hes an able representative for his company, having been part of it for almost twenty years. He is also confident about the industry surviving, and even thriving, in the future. Nelson has every reason to be optimistic, as even the recent economic woes hasnt stopped the growth of Philip Morris Philippines, and the sales of their brands.
Hes also come to love the country hes working in, and working with our people. Having been overseas as a manager in places like Kuwait, Dubai, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the Horn of Africa, hes worked with many people, but he claims its a joy to work with Filipinos. "And Im not saying that just because I married one," Chris quips. "Filipinos are, by definition, a happy people. I cant think of anyone else who are as happy, in general. Its great to be able to work where people smile a lot."
As managing director, he is involved in every facet of running the company: in financing, HR, corporate affairs, sales, marketing, and planning. And its from his position that one can best watch the growth of his company.
"Theres a lot to be proud of," he says. "Were the second largest tobacco company in the country. Weve got a full twenty-five percent of the market share. Philip Morris produces the best-selling brand, both here and in the world, which is Marlboro. Weve acquired three local value brands: Bowling Gold, Stork, and Miller. In 2003 we opened up a world-class $300-million plant in Batangas, and were now exporting tobacco leaf abroad. And weve grown, as an organizationnow, 99 percent of our employees are nationals."
But while theres a lot to be proud ofthe Batangas plant is the largest PMI investment in Asiatheres still much to improve on, and achieve. "Theres still the matter of the 75 percent market share," he says, and smiles.
There is also room for improvement in the anti-youth smoking program, but the company is getting there. While Philip Morris Philippines is doing its part in informing the public about the dangers of smoking and working with its retailers, educators and parents also have to do their part. No matter how big the warning the companies put on their cigarette packs or how many retailers they talk to, it all comes to naught if some parents still send their children out to buy cigarettes for them. Its a complex problem, and the company is working on having everyone cooperate to keep kids away from cigarettes.
While its withdrawing from sports, PM Philippines is also branching out into sponsorships for arts and culture. In 1994, the Philip Morris Group of Companies launched the yearly ASEAN Art Awards, one of the most prestigious contests in the region. Locally, it has corporate sponsorships for the Philippine Art Awards, as well as Ballet Philippines. Supporting the local arts is, according to Nelson, part of the Philip Morris ideal of promoting the culture of the countries where they set up shop.
Its a noble gesture, and good business sense: the Philippines is in the top 20 world cigarette markets today, and in the top five in Asia. We are, it could be said, a suki, a favored customer. And Philip Morris International (Philippines) Manufacturing Inc. is setting up to be a major player in the Asian region, a major hub in the international companys production.
What direction is Philip Morris Philippines taking in the near future?
"Well, from what I see, its all forward and upward, at this point. On the international level, were the worlds largest tobacco company. Were exploring markets in China, which is, needless to say, a huge, huge market. In the Philippines, were just cementing Marlboros position as a leading brand and were working on making Philip Morris cigarettes the leading menthol brand. For now, its a good prognosis."
And hes not just blowing smoke.
Cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other serious diseases in smokers.
Smoking is dangerous.
These warnings arent just rallying cries for anti-smoking proponents, but also statements from the website of Philip Morris International, producer of cigarette brands Marlboro and Philip Morris, among others. Its under a section called "a clear and consistent message", under a prominent heading of "Smoking and Health". There is no hedging, no buts about it, no twisting of the issue, just a plain statement of the risks involved in smoking tobacco.
Many would have us believe that the tobacco industry is the enemy, out to make a profit off the lungs and lives of the people they lure into the smoking habit. That the industry clouds the facts with flashy advertising, and throws out lines of influence, using them to stop or slip past legislation and regulation. The industry, and the people in it, are caricatured by some into devious, manipulating monsters.
The reality is much more benign, and much more responsible: Chris Nelson, managing director of Philip Morris International (Philippines) Manufacturing, Inc., casually says, "We are, and always will be, in support of regulation, actually."
The affable Brit smiles, then goes on to explain that regulation is actually good for business: "The key issue in any business is planning. Regulation gives the industry a map with which it can go forward, because it clears up a lot of unknown factors. Because we have the necessary information, we can plan accordingly.
"Take the Tobacco Act (of 2003), for example. In July 2006, warning labels on the cigarettes will move from the side of the pack to the front, taking up 30 percent of it. Even as early as now, were planning around that, from material purchases to production and sales. Regulation gives everybody involved a set of clear and definite guidelines to work with."
Philip Morris Philippines is taking the issue of health and smoking seriously, working under Republic Act 9211the 2003 Tobacco Regulation Act, that restricts the advertising, sale, and distribution of tobacco products. The company is already taking initiative, especially with their youth smoking prevention programs. Philip Morris is pulling out of many sports sponsorships, like golf and basketball, because they are youth-oriented activities. Working with the University of Asia and the Pacific, theyre launching educational programs to inform kids about the dangers of smoking.
"Were very clear about acknowledging the risks involved," says Nelson. "We believe that, if you have concerns about smoking, you should take the advice of health experts and give it up. But for those adults who choose to continue to smoke, knowing the risks, we want them to choose our product, because we manufacture high-quality cigarettes."
Nelson, managing director in the Philippines for almost three years, took part in the dialog between all the parties involved in the regulation of tobacco in the country. Hes an able representative for his company, having been part of it for almost twenty years. He is also confident about the industry surviving, and even thriving, in the future. Nelson has every reason to be optimistic, as even the recent economic woes hasnt stopped the growth of Philip Morris Philippines, and the sales of their brands.
Hes also come to love the country hes working in, and working with our people. Having been overseas as a manager in places like Kuwait, Dubai, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the Horn of Africa, hes worked with many people, but he claims its a joy to work with Filipinos. "And Im not saying that just because I married one," Chris quips. "Filipinos are, by definition, a happy people. I cant think of anyone else who are as happy, in general. Its great to be able to work where people smile a lot."
As managing director, he is involved in every facet of running the company: in financing, HR, corporate affairs, sales, marketing, and planning. And its from his position that one can best watch the growth of his company.
"Theres a lot to be proud of," he says. "Were the second largest tobacco company in the country. Weve got a full twenty-five percent of the market share. Philip Morris produces the best-selling brand, both here and in the world, which is Marlboro. Weve acquired three local value brands: Bowling Gold, Stork, and Miller. In 2003 we opened up a world-class $300-million plant in Batangas, and were now exporting tobacco leaf abroad. And weve grown, as an organizationnow, 99 percent of our employees are nationals."
But while theres a lot to be proud ofthe Batangas plant is the largest PMI investment in Asiatheres still much to improve on, and achieve. "Theres still the matter of the 75 percent market share," he says, and smiles.
There is also room for improvement in the anti-youth smoking program, but the company is getting there. While Philip Morris Philippines is doing its part in informing the public about the dangers of smoking and working with its retailers, educators and parents also have to do their part. No matter how big the warning the companies put on their cigarette packs or how many retailers they talk to, it all comes to naught if some parents still send their children out to buy cigarettes for them. Its a complex problem, and the company is working on having everyone cooperate to keep kids away from cigarettes.
While its withdrawing from sports, PM Philippines is also branching out into sponsorships for arts and culture. In 1994, the Philip Morris Group of Companies launched the yearly ASEAN Art Awards, one of the most prestigious contests in the region. Locally, it has corporate sponsorships for the Philippine Art Awards, as well as Ballet Philippines. Supporting the local arts is, according to Nelson, part of the Philip Morris ideal of promoting the culture of the countries where they set up shop.
Its a noble gesture, and good business sense: the Philippines is in the top 20 world cigarette markets today, and in the top five in Asia. We are, it could be said, a suki, a favored customer. And Philip Morris International (Philippines) Manufacturing Inc. is setting up to be a major player in the Asian region, a major hub in the international companys production.
What direction is Philip Morris Philippines taking in the near future?
"Well, from what I see, its all forward and upward, at this point. On the international level, were the worlds largest tobacco company. Were exploring markets in China, which is, needless to say, a huge, huge market. In the Philippines, were just cementing Marlboros position as a leading brand and were working on making Philip Morris cigarettes the leading menthol brand. For now, its a good prognosis."
And hes not just blowing smoke.
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