DOH hoping more Pinoys heed smoking ban

The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday expressed hope that more Filipinos would quit smoking as the nationwide smoking ban took effect over the weekend.

Eric Tayag, spokesman for the DOH, said those who wish to stop smoking may seek counseling from the DOH Quit Line.

Under Executive Order 26, the DOH is tasked to establish cessation clinics to help people who want to quit smoking.

“For the meantime, we put up Quit Line, which can function like cessation clinics,” Tayag said.

The government has created Smoke-Free Task Force to implement the smoking ban, with the assistance of the Philippine National Police and volunteers.

EO 26 provides that smoking is banned in enclosed public places and conveyances such schools, universities and colleges; playgrounds; restaurants and food preparation areas; basketball court; stairwell; fire hazard places such as gas station; health centers, clinics, as well as public and private hospitals; hotels; malls; elevators; taxi; buses; jeepneys; ships; tricycles; trains and airplanes.

Smoking in private vehicles is prohibited if these are in public places.

Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said they have been receiving at least 20 calls per day since the Quit Line was launched in June at the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City.

With the smoking ban now in effect, Ubial hopes that the DOH Quit Line will be flooded with calls from smokers.

Quit Line operators can be reached by calling 165364. Smokers seeking support and guidance may text ‘STOPSMOKE’ to (29290)165364.