The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), in its 210th Regular Board Meeting, continued to shape key directions to strengthen the country’s response to drugs by bringing together efforts in rehabilitation, policy development, prevention, and systems innovation.
Part of the discussions focused on strengthening rehabilitation, particularly in custodial settings in coordination with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). The Board highlighted the importance of aligning jail-based programs with appropriate therapeutic approaches, with the Department of Health (DOH) contributing technical insights to support these efforts. This is complemented by continuing coordination among agencies to address operational concerns and sustain gains in drug-free and drug-cleared facilities.
At the same time, the Board revisited developments on the proposed legal framework for medical marijuana. Given the complexity of the issue, the focus was on ensuring that policy directions remain grounded in evidence and shaped through a unified position, with the recommendation to convene a Technical Working Group to further refine inputs and support the process moving forward.
Discussions also reflected the role of local governments and communities in sustaining recovery efforts. The proposed implementation of the Balay Silangan Program in Quezon City was considered within this context, as part of continuing efforts to strengthen community-based approaches.
Prevention remains a steady priority. The Board underscored the need to further examine how drug education can be strengthened across learning environments, including private institutions, with additional data and studies to inform future directions.
The meeting also underscored the Philippines’ active engagement in the 69th Commission on Narcotic Drugs, with international discussions contributing to evolving perspectives on emerging issues such as drug profiling, precursor control, and inclusive approaches in drug policy.
Across localities, efforts on the ground continue to move forward—from expanding access to treatment services to sustained convergence initiatives in areas such as Benguet, where collaboration among national and local stakeholders supports both supply reduction and alternative development.
Moving forward, these initiatives signal a more integrated and adaptive approach, strengthening how policies and programs are aligned to respond to a changing drug landscape.
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