Health advocates want September declared as Alcohol Harms Awareness Month

Several health advocates and government officials on Thursday called for the designation of September of every year as “Alcohol Harms Awareness Month” to help educate people about the importance of responsible alcohol consumption. 

Department of Health (DOH) Health Promotion Bureau Director Rodley Carza said excessive alcohol drinking poses health risks to people, and may result in liver and heart diseases, stroke, high blood pressure, mental health conditions, and may even affect an unborn child.

“The burden of alcohol harms in the Philippines is not just a public health issue. It’s a cycle of challenge that affects families, communities, and our economy. The data is clear as alcohol consumption is linked to a myriad of health issues,” he said in a media forum. 

“It is a carcinogen. It causes cancer particularly mouth and throat cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, among others. It also contributes significantly to road crashes, domestic violence, and abuse. And these harms result in significant healthcare cost, human suffering, and lost of productivity.” 

Meanwhile, AnaKalusugan party-list Rep. Ray Reyes said he has filed House Bill No. 10881 seeking to declare September as “National Alcohol Harms Awareness Month,” with September 30 being the “National Alcohol Harms Awareness Day.” 

In his explanatory note, he said the Philippines has embraced a yearly beer festival encouraging people to consume more beer and alcohol. 

“While alcohol sales may boost government revenue in the short term, the broader economic picture is far bleaker. The financial and social costs of alcohol-related harm far exceed any benefits from alcohol taxes. The strain on healthcare, the loss of productivity, and the damage to families present a clear case for change,” Reyes said. 

In July, health advocates called for the increase of excise tax on alcohol beverages in a bid to reduce the number of Filipinos who consume these products and protect them from the health risks, or even potential death, resulting from excessive alcohol drinking. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/912798/health-advocates-push-for-higher-sin-tax-to-curb-alcohol-consumption/story/ 

The Action for Economic Reforms earlier said that a law mandating the raise on excise tax annually should be passed in order to achieve the global target of reducing the harmful use of alcohol by 20% come 2030. 

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto had said he would not pursue the imposition of additional taxes, considering the high inflation environment. —KBK, GMA Integrated News