DSWD pushes bill on drug abuse resistance education and collaboration

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is pushing for the immediate passage of a bill that seeks to help the youth to be better equipped in resisting temptations of drug use with the collaboration of parents and schools.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman said House Bill No. 2377, otherwise known as “Youth Drug Abuse Resistance Education and Prevention Program (Y-DARE) Act,” will equip young people with adequate knowledge, attitude, and discipline in keeping their schools drug free.

“Drug abuse appears to be the cause of many serious social, psychological, emotional, economic, and relationship problems besetting the family and community where substance abusers belong,” Soliman said.

The official made the call amid the rising incidents of drug-related crimes.

The bill, authored by Cebu Rep. Gabriel Quisumbing, is pending at the House committee on youth and sports development.

 â€œWith the passage of this bill, there will be a stronger collaboration among concerned government agencies, schools, students and parents to help young people become aware of the adverse effects of illegal drugs,” Soliman said.   

The DSWD also recommends the expansion of the collaboration in the communities.

“We believe that engaging the community would be more effective in the campaign against illegal drugs since it guarantees strong community support,” Soliman emphasized.

She said the bill also complements DSWD’s programs that promote preventive and developmental services for the youth and their families. These are the Special Drug Education Center (SDEC) and the Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program (FDAPP).

The SDEC is a community-based facility which serves as a venue where out-of-school youth are educated on the ill-effects of drugs and are taught skills along livelihood, peer counseling, leadership, community development, and strong measures to say no to drugs.

The SDECs should be established in all provincial local government units nationwide as mandated by Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

On the other hand, FDAPP is a community-based program that educates and prepares families and the communities on the adverse effects of drug abuse.

It involves the promotion of family life enrichment activities to enhance cohesiveness, bonding and harmonious relationship among family members. It also equips the families with parenting and life skills towards a drug free home.