PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN NARCOTICS CONTROL: PHILIPPINE WAYS AND EXPERIENCES Presented by: Undersecretary Romeo G. Vera Cruz Vice Chairman, Dangerous Drugs Board

National Anti-Drug Strategy Supply Reduction Demand Reduction Civic Awareness Alternative Development International Cooperation

Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) - lead agency in the national drug abuse prevention and control program Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) - lead law enforcement agency Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (PNP AIDSOTF) National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Bureau of Customs (BOC)

The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 defines drug offenses and provides penalties drug abuse prevention programs treatment and rehabilitation participation of certain sectors regulation-making power of the DDB

Preventing Use of Illicit Drugs Family - Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program Schools - Prevention and Deterrence - Referral for Treatment and Rehabilitation - Integration of Instruction on drug abuse prevention and control - National Drug Education Program Workplaces - Drug-Free Workplace Program DDB Speakers Bureau - Youth/Community leaders

Trafficking and Production of Illicit Drugs Operation Private Eye - citizenry serves as eyes and ears - reward system for informers Civil Society Groups as Witnesses - prevent pilferage of drug evidence - destruction in accordance with law Village Clearing Program - organization of house clusters - drug information

Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation State policy to reintegrate into society victims of drug abuse 43 out of 56 Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers are privately owned Referral System Student Councils/Organizations Workplaces Local Anti-Drug Abuse Councils

Alternative Development Reduce and eliminate Marijuana cultivation Active participation of the community National Plan of Action on the Eradication of Marijuana Plantation through Alternative Development

Activities under the Alternative Development Program Redirect marijuana producing areas Infrastructure and socio-economic programs Community awareness and advocacy Direct involvement and participation of farmer organizations, cooperatives, NGOs and community organizations Active support and cooperation of government agencies Monitor and evaluate

Other Means and Practices Public participation in the reclassification, addition and removal of a drug/substance in the List of Dangerous Drugs Notice of public hearing Position papers

Conclusion Public participation in narcotics control is crucial. The war against drugs cannot be won by government alone. It requires the cooperation and active participation of the public at large. No anti- drug abuse prevention and control program, no matter how impressive in concept, can be effective without public participation. For this reason, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) has always enlisted the support and participation of the public sector in the formulation and implementation of its policies and programs.

Thank You for your Attention