Philippine government rallies Filipinos to curb illegal drugs

President Marcos has called on Filipinos to be part of the fight against illegal drugs, urging them to report drug-related activities and support rehabilitation efforts. He emphasised the need for a wholistic approach to ensure the country will be rid of the proliferation of illegal drugs through prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and law enforcement.

In the president’s message delivered by Health Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama Jr. on September 28, the 4th Anniversary of the DOH-Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, he stressed that drug dependence “is a serious mental health condition” that if untreated, becomes a growing social problem and a significant public health issue.” This drug treatment and rehabilitation center is considered the largest in CARAGA, an administrative region in the Philippines occupying the northeastern section of Mindanao.

The DOH-Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, which is part of the anti-drugs effort, continues to be a vital component of the program, according to President Marcos.

“Amidst the harsh realities of drug abuse, this treatment centre remains a sanctuary, where individuals can find healing, compassion, and recovery,” he said.

“In our pursuit of helping individuals rebuild their lives, we need a supportive environment, like what we have here, to facilitate our patients’ transformation… I call on every Filipino to be part of our fight against illegal drugs. Be vigilant, report drug-related activities, and support rehabilitation efforts,” he said.

He recognized that the lack of access to treatment for substance abuse results in chronic illnesses and other adverse social effects in the community. Thus, he is pushing for a wholistic approach to address the country’s lingering drug problem.

The President noted that these strategies to address the problem also entail cooperation between the government and the private sector.

Another rehab facility is now being completed, the Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRC) in Trece Martires, Cavite.

Since he assumed the presidency, unlike his predecessor, Marcos avowed that the fight against illegal drugs in the country under his term will continue but through a “new face” focusing on community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration.

Sources: PNA, Manila Bulletin