Philippines Quitline — DOH Quit Line 165364

Frequently asked questions

Is there a national quitline in the Philippines?

Yes. The Department of Health (DOH) runs the DOH Quit Line, a national stop-smoking service you can reach on 165364. It offers phone counselling for people who want to quit tobacco, and a companion text program you can join by sending "stopsmoke" to 29290-165-364. The service is hosted by the Lung Center of the Philippines.

Source: Department of Health (DOH) — DOH Opens Telephone/Mobile Quitlines to Help Filipinos Quit Smoking , VERA Files — Back to the drawing board for the DOH quit line

Is calling 165364 free?

Not entirely. 165364 is not a nationwide toll-free number. Calls are free only for landline users in Metro Manila; mobile callers and people calling from outside Metro Manila pay normal call rates. To register for the StopSmoke text program you need a small amount of phone load, after which the daily guidance messages are sent at no extra charge.

Source: VERA Files — Back to the drawing board for the DOH quit line , Department of Health (DOH) — DOH Opens Telephone/Mobile Quitlines to Help Filipinos Quit Smoking

What does the DOH Quit Line offer?

The DOH Quit Line gives real-time telephone counselling to help you stop smoking. A counsellor works through a "stages of change" plan, starting with an initial session to set a quit date, then calling back around your quit day and following up over the following weeks and months to support you. The guidance covers motivation, practical advice and relapse prevention.

Source: Department of Health (DOH) — DOH Opens Telephone/Mobile Quitlines to Help Filipinos Quit Smoking , VERA Files — Back to the drawing board for the DOH quit line

How does the "stopsmoke" SMS program work?

The StopSmoke service is a mobile cessation program. Text "stopsmoke" to 29290-165-364 from a Smart, Sun Cellular or Globe number, then reply with your details and set a quit date within the next two weeks. You need at least a peso of load to register; after that you receive free daily text messages with tips and encouragement to help you stay smoke-free.

Source: Department of Health (DOH) — DOH Opens Telephone/Mobile Quitlines to Help Filipinos Quit Smoking , VERA Files — Back to the drawing board for the DOH quit line

Who runs the service, and in what languages?

The DOH Quit Line is a Department of Health program hosted by the Lung Center of the Philippines, set up with support from the World Health Organization. Counselling is provided mainly in Filipino, with English also widely used since both are official languages of the Philippines. Counsellors work in shifts, so it is best to call during daytime and evening hours.

Source: Department of Health (DOH) — DOH Opens Telephone/Mobile Quitlines to Help Filipinos Quit Smoking , World Health Organization — Philippines (Lung Center smoking cessation programme) , VERA Files — Back to the drawing board for the DOH quit line