Implementing Drug Prevention and Control Measures

Illicit drug production, trafficking, and use remain a matter of shared concern as they hinder

development and pose a threat to security among countries across the globe. Their profound and devastating

effects know no boundary in terms of ethnicity, religion, geographic location, political affiliation,

educational background and socio-economic status.

Health, a crucial prerequisite and resource for development, is adversely affected as drug use impacts

both morbidity and mortality. Notably, drug use has also been shown to be associated with other risky

behaviors such as drunk driving, unprotected sex, and needle-sharing, which can lead to hepatitis and HIV-

AIDS. It is also an important correlate of medical and psychiatric co-morbidities, intentional injuries, and

death.

In terms of its significant social and economic consequences, drug use can lead to lowered

productivity due to occupational diseases and injuries, higher health care costs, spread of infectious diseases,

and family breakdown, to name a few. Drug-related crimes and violence escalate, diverting resources

initially allocated for social services into law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Also contributing

to societal burden is the negative outcome from drug use that young people may experience during their

most productive years. Thus, investing in efforts that would deter people, especially the youth, from using

illicit drugs would greatly benefit society. Drug abstinence can lead to better learning outcomes, healthier

families, more productive workforce, safer communities, and longer life expectancy. Investing in both drug

supply and drug demand reduction programs will pay dividends for the years to come. It will shape the

future of the next generation of Filipinos and will dramatically transform the landscape of Philippine security
 As the country faces this issue head on, with resolving the drug problem being the top priority of

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s administration, a myriad of strategies need to be put in place and

operationalized. There is also an urgent need to ensure that effective systems are established and

institutionalized. Concomitant with this is the need to set clear directions and identify indicators to measure

progress and success.

Prepared by: Abduljabar Hammad D. Karim, MPA-1 Plan-A

Submitted to: . Prudencio R. Asto Ph.D

Date: October 17, 2020