Republic of the Philippines

Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation, Inc.

Senior High School Department

Name: Mandreza, Ricci Izobel C. Section: 12 JADE

In the Philippines, a wide range of non-governmental groups are engaged in the

prevention and reduction of drug misuse. The numerous initiatives and significant successes
made by non-governmental organizations in the fight against drug misuse are evidence of their
dedication to and participation in an open cooperation with the government to advance care for
children and quality of life in general. The Government's policy-making and coordination
agency, the Dangerous Drugs Board, has facilitated and encouraged the development of current
techniques and strategies and, in collaboration with non-governmental groups, has increased the
viability and relevance of drug-abuse prevention programs. This co-operation strengthened
agency relationships, encouraged resource-sharing and generated a more balanced approach
towards programme planning and implementation. The various government services, in co-
operation with non-governmental organizations, have adopted the models and strategies that are
action-oriented activities, primarily intended to promote positive values, attitudes, self-
development, creative productivity and skills of young people.
The Philippines has seen its fair share of the problems that the drug epidemic always
leaves in its behind, including an increase in drug-related juvenile delinquency cases and a
proliferation of abused narcotics, psychiatric medications, and indigenous substances. The
influence of unconventional lifestyles, the disruption and degradation of established moral and
social fiber, other social ills brought on by modern life, as well as the fact that the Philippines has
turned into a transit country for international illicit drug traffic and smuggling operations, have
all contributed to the aggravation of these difficulties.
The Philippines' drug misuse crisis had gotten so bad by the start of the 1970s that the
government had to respond with a comprehensive campaign to stop the growing issue. A
comprehensive strategy was developed in 1972 with the following objectives: to increase
international cooperation with respect to all aspects of drug-abuse prevention and control in the
spirit of national cooperation; to reduce and control the supply of illicit drugs through intensive
law-enforcement operations and programs; to reduce the demand for these drugs through a multi-
disciplinary approach involving preventive education, research, training, and treatment and
rehabilitation; and to reduce and control the use of legal drugs.
Significant progress has been made in the fields of preventive education, treatment and
rehabilitation, and law enforcement in the succeeding years. This progress shows the
government's commitment to solving the issue, but it may also be considered as a result of their
successful collaboration with non-governmental organizations. The "bayanihan spirit," which is
prevalent among Filipinos, greatly contributes to the efficacy of this cooperation in this regard.
The term "bayanihan spirit" refers to the deeply ingrained trait in every Filipino that prompts him
to feel compelled to assist his neighbors or volunteer his time for deserving organizations.
Since the beginning of the DDB, non-governmental organizations have been actively
involved in the drive to reduce drug demand. Programs were integrated and DDB's Inter-Agency
Committees supervised their activities through cooperation amongst non-governmental groups.
The first conference of an international non-governmental organization took place in
Jakarta, Indonesia, in 1979. The second conference of international non-governmental
organizations took place in Manila from November 3 to November 8, 1980. These conferences
highlighted the non-governmental organizations' growing interest and involvement and opened
the door for additional initiatives and resourcefulness in the search for more flexible and
effective programs to achieve the important goal of preventing drugs from further affecting the
future aspirations of youth, who are the most vulnerable targets of drug abuse. The Philippine
Council of Non-Governmental Organizations was establishhed following the second meeting.
Notably, enthusiastic non-governmental organizations committed to fostering a drug-free
environment have recently taken on a growing number of programs and activities. Government
funding was provided for some of these programs. In fact, there is evidence that non-
governmental organizations are working with their government counterparts to establish
affordable programs for the prevention and reduction of drug abuse.