The decline may be associated with the government’s intense efforts in combating

drugs. According to DDB Chairperson Benjamin Reyes, the government’s anti-illegal drug
campaign should also focus on prevention to “curb the problem.”
 Operations conducted by different law enforcing agencies like the Philippine National
Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
(PDEA), Bureau of Customs and other law enforcers have helped arrest local and international
drug syndicate members, traffickers, and destroy secret laboratories and warehouses. A news
report last October 10, 2019 the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Northern Mindanao
(PDEA Region 10 arrested public school teacher in a buy-bust operation in Damulog Bukidnon.
 Strict implementation of policies under the “Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002” like the
compulsory drug test for application of driver’s license, entrance to military service, application
for firearms licensing, and others. A Random Drug Test (RDT) conducted last January –
December 2009 the Northern Mindanao was included in phase two. The result showed that out
of 1,900 schools visited, 31 students were screened positive and 12 were confirmed positive.
 Actualization of the Dangerous Drugs Board’s programs and projects in partnership
with other agencies like the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD) and other local government units (LGU) and non-government
organizations (NGO). The department will also reactivate the integration concepts of drug
education program into the regular curriculum via the science, social studies and Mapeh (Music,
Arts, Physical Education, and Health) subjects to drumbeat awareness and advocate drug use
prevention, aside from the regular celebration of Drug Abuse Prevention Week in all schools.
These are positive efforts bearing fruits and achievements; however the government
does not rest on its laurels but rather creates more productive programs and projects to make
the country a drug-resistant society.
Drug Scenario in the Philippines

Bubstance use and abuse is a growing problem in the Philippines. According to the
International Narcotics control Broad (INCB), an internation drug monitoring agency, the
Philippines is listed as one of the countries in Southeast Asia where drug trafficking is growing
in numbers.

In the Philippines, drug and abuse is a social and health concern. Poverty has become
an increasing cause for involvement in the illegaln drug trade. Foreign drug syndicates take
advantage and exploit the poor and use promises of “easy money” to entice the people to serve
as couriers and runners.

According to the 2012 statics available in the Dangerous Drugs Broad Website, the most
common type of substance of abuse among Filipino are “Methamphetamine Hydrochloride
(Shabu) 81.36%, “Cannabis (Marijuana) 33,65% and “Inhalant” (Solvent) 4.82%.

FACTORS INFLUENCING SUBSTANCE USE AND ABUSE

 Lack of parental supervision and support
 Strong peer preasure and coriosity
 Intense feeling of pleasure
 Relief from stress, anxiety and depression
 Increased physical and cognitive performane