Strategies

The Dangerous Drugs Board adopts the five-pillar global drug control approach instituted during
the UN General Assembly Special Session on Drugs (UNGASS) in July 1998 by the ASEAN and
China Cooperative Operations in Response to Dangerous Drugs (ACCORD), in which the
Philippines is a member.

Drug Supply Reduction Pillar

This pillar is mainly concerned with strengthening the rule of law and enhancing a network of
control measures. The extent to which dangerous drugs are proliferated is addressed through law
enforcement, market denial operations and prevention of diversion from the licit to the illicit
markets.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement strategies target all parts and levels of the supply chain from actions aimed at
preventing importation across the border to those that target the point of supply to consumers.
Interventions against drug supply include all activities carried out by law enforcement agencies led
by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) with the Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal
Drugs Group (PNP-AIDG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other similar agencies.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance measures ensure the availability of dangerous drugs and Controlled
Precursors and Essential Chemicals (CPECs) with legitimate medical and industrial use while
preventing its diversion from the licit to illicit market and curtailing drug abuse.
As mandated by the law, PDEA regulates the acquisition and use of dangerous drugs and CPECs.
Through its Compliance Service, applications for licenses and permits of practicing professionals
and firms involved in the retail, distribution, manufacture, exportation/importation, and use of
dangerous drugs and CPECs are assessed and processed.

The DDB, on the other hand, issues Certificate of Exemption to legitimate companies dealing with
CPECs. This would exempt the product/preparation containing dangerous drugs and/or CPECs
that are below and above the 30% threshold from certain regulatory control measures.

A certification is also issued to industries and companies dealing with chemicals/substances for
products that are not included in the list of dangerous drugs and CPECs.

 Judicial and Legislative Measures

Measures consist of regular reprisal of the judiciary on recent Board regulations and the
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or RA 9165. The Board also seek to foster and
improve cooperation among pillars of the criminal justice system such as the judiciary, prosecution
and law enforcement.

Drug Demand Reduction Pillar

The Drug Demand Reduction pillar is geared towards reducing the consumer’s demand for drugs
and other substances. This is done through programs on Preventive Education, Treatment and
Rehabilitation, and Research.

Along with its partner agencies, the DDB continues to formulate policies on drug prevention and
control, develop and implement preventive education programs, adopt and utilize effective
treatment and rehabilitation programs and conduct research on vital aspects of the drug abuse
problem.

Preventive Education

The Dangerous Drugs Board continues to implement activities and programs that encourage
individuals to avoid substance abuse. Recognizing the diversity of the Philippine society, the
Board has a range of educational programs designed to address the needs of every sector of the
society, from the youth to parents, employers, educators, health professionals, and policy-makers.
(See more information on Preventive Education Programs)

Treatment and Rehabilitation

As an important facet of drug demand reduction, the DDB with the DOH continually monitors
trends in treatment and rehabilitation as well as issues and concerns that families and recovering
drug dependents face during the process. (See more information on Treatment and Rehabilitation)

Research

An integral part of the anti-drug campaign that enables the Board to draft policies and regulations
that are timely and effective. (See more information on Research and Statistics)

Alternative Development Pillar

Alternative Development is among the multi-pronged drug control strategies being undertaken by
the DDB, through which prevention, reduction and elimination of illicit cultivation of marijuana
plants are achieved by specifically designed rural development measures that are aimed at
providing lawful, economically viable and sustainable means of income as well as an improved
livelihood of people in known marijuana cultivation areas, specifically targeting those involved in
the illicit activities.

Civic Awareness and Response Pillar

Strategies under this pillar aims to stimulate discussion and generate public opinion that lead to
participation. The DDB utilizes different forms of media to spread the anti-drug advocacy and enlist
more and more Filipinos in the fight against drugs.

The different sectors of the society are encouraged to participate in programs through increasing
awareness and enhancing public understanding of drug dependence.

To reach out to a greater majority, cooperation and coordination with media organizations is also
maintained.

Regional and International Cooperation

The regional and international cooperation pillar places emphasis on cross-border strategy-sharing
and regional activities while enriching the existing national responses and capacity-building
programs which represent the foundations of the national anti-drug abuse advocacy.

There is a great deal of complementarities between the national and the regional response as
would be seen in the conferences, symposia and fora participated in by the country. These
demonstrate that the Philippine advocacy against drug dependency shares the same overall
regional approach to program development while meeting the contextual and cultural requirements
for our own country’s needs.
5 PILLARS:
 
1. Drug Supply Reduction 
 
The object is to take away the drugs from the person through market denial operations and prevention of diversion from the licit to the illicit
market.

A. Law Enforcement  B. Regulatory Compliance  C. Judicial & Legislative Measures   

2. Drug Demand Reduction

 
The aim is to take away the person from drugs and reduce his desire to abuse drugs.

A. Policy Formulation B. Preventive Education Programs  C. Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs  D. Research  

3. Alternative Development
 
Aims to reduce the production of marijuana and eventually eliminate its cultivation through sustainable rural development & alternative livelihood
programs.
 
4. Civic Awareness and Response
 
The concept is to promote public awareness on the evils of dangerous drugs & social response by advocating the non-use of dangerous
drugs. Production and Distribution of Information, Education, Communication (IEC) materials and collaterals.  
 
5. Regional and International Cooperation
 
The intent is to forge and foster cooperation with regional and international agencies. Adhering to treaties, formulating agreements,
conducting tie-up projects.Attending foreign conferences, exchanging drug reports, hosting study tours and field visits, sharing of best practices.