DepEd strengthens drug education in schools, communities

MANILA, Philippines – Education Secretary Leonor Briones has ordered all private and public elementary and high schools in the country to strengthen their implementation of the National Drug Education Program (NDEP) in support of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Briones issued a memorandum reminding heads of public and private academic institutions to ensure the full implementation of the NDEP, which is mandated by the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“The NDEP is a comprehensive educational program that provides for a holistic approach to the problem of drug abuse,” Briones said.

“It was designed to enable all sectors to work collaboratively, with the school system as a core, thereby unifying all sectoral endeavors,” she added.

The NDEP has five components: curriculum and instruction; co-curricular and ancillary services; teacher and staff development; parent education and community outreach; and research, monitoring and evaluation.

It is implemented in schools to create awareness on the ill effects of drugs and to develop among students positive behavior and life skills to resist drugs.

Briones is urging regional directors and school heads to implement various programs, such as the establishment of Barkada Kontra Droga chapters in schools, and to intensify anti-drug abuse information campaigns including in communities.

Briones also suggested the mobilization of scout leaders to integrate drug abuse prevention in the training of scouts, and their collaboration with local government units and non-government organizations to intensify the anti-illegal drug campaign.

She ordered local education officials to submit monthly accomplishment reports on the drug prevention activities they have conducted in their respective schools.