Section 33June 23, 2003, Sec./Art. 33

Programs and Projects - For a period not exceeding five (5) years, the National Government and the concerned departments and agencies shall provide the following programs and projects:

a. Tobacco Grower's Assistance Program - This program shall be utilized to support financially the tobacco farmers who may be displaced due to the implementation of this Act has voluntarily ceased to produce tobacco. To avail of this program, a beneficiary shall present convincing and substantial evidence that:

1. He or she has been a tobacco farmer for the last three (3) years prior to January 1, 2004;

2. He or she belongs to the tobacco producing provinces;

3. He or she has certificate of eligibility to apply issued by the local government Unit and the NTA; and

4. He or she has ceased to plant tobacco for the next preceding season after the enactment of this Act.

b. Tobacco Growers Cooperative.- This program shall promote cooperative programs to assist tobacco farmers in developing alternative farming systems, plant alternative crops and other livelihood projects. The requirements of subsection (a) shall likewise apply.

c. National Smoking Cessation Program - A National Smoking Cessation Program shall be undertaken with the approval of the IAC-Tobacco. The implementing rules and guidelines to reinforce this program shall be submitted to the IAC-Tobacco by the Secretary of Health within three (3) months after the effectivity of this Act.

d. Research and Development Program - The IAC-Tobacco shall establish a research and develop a program to be spearheaded by the NTA in cooperation with the DOST, which will undertake studies concerning technologies and methods to reduce the risk of dependence and injury from tobacco product usage and exposure, alternative uses of tobacco and similar research programs.

e. National Tobacco-Free Public Education Program.- State Universities and Colleges and technical and Vocational Schools shall provide scholarships programs to defendants of tobacco growers for which the administrator of the NTA shall provide implementing rules and guidelines. The guidelines shall be submitted to the IAC- Tobacco within three (3) months after the effectivity of this Act.

f. Displaced Cigarette Factory Workers' Assistance Program.- The Secretary of Labor and Employment with the concurrence of the IAC-Tobacco shall establish a program to assist displaced terminated/ separated or retrenched cigarette factory workers as result of the enactment of the Act. The Secretary of Labor in coordination with the NTA and DTI shall provide the rules as guidelines to effectuate this program and submit the same to the IAC-Tobacco within three (3) months after the effectivity of this Act.

g. Health Programs.- The IAC-Tobacco, in consultation with DOH, shall be responsible for awarding grants to all medical institutions for the purpose of planning, carrying out, and evaluating activities related to smoking-related illnesses. The IAC-Tobacco shall submit to Congress and President of the Philippines the annual report of expenditures related to this program.

h. Withdrawal Clinics.- The DOH shall establish smoking withdrawal clinics to provide counseling regarding the hazardous health effects of tobacco/ cigarette smoking and to rehabilitate smokers form the hazardous effects of such products.

If a smoker-minor voluntarily submits himself for treatment, counseling or rehabilitation in smoking withdrawal clinic located in any medical institution in the Philippines, or through the parents/ guardian, the expenses incurred shall be reimbursable outpatient service of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

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