As national policies take shape at the local level, opportunities often emerge to address implementation concerns, and ensure that they continue to serve the communities they are meant to support.
At the request of the City Government of Imus, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) held a consultative meeting with the City Government of Imus Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CIADAC), together with representatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), to provide policy direction and discuss local implementation concerns encountered in carrying out the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) and other community-based drug prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation initiatives.
The consultation was led by DDB Permanent Members – Undersecretary Armando Ramolete and Undersecretary Abad Osit, together with Assistant Secretary Ferdaussi Masnar and Heads of key operating units. The DDB delegation, through Chief of Policy Studies, Research, and Statistics Division – Mr. Michael Miatari, presented the Enhanced Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (E-PADS), which provided the policy context for the discussions that followed.
Imus PNP Chief and Vice Chairperson of the City Government of Imus Anti-Drug Abuse Council – Police Lieutenant Colonel Chey Chey Saulog acknowledged the value of the consultation as an opportunity for policy dialogue between national government agencies and the local government. City officials then shared their operational experiences and challenges, allowing the DDB and PDEA to provide guidance, clarify existing policies, and address questions raised in the course of implementation.
Access to intervention and rehabilitation services was also discussed, with the DDB emphasizing that appropriate assistance should not be delayed by documentary certification requirements The discussion likewise covered policy refinements that seek to more clearly distinguish individuals who require intervention and rehabilitation from those involved in drug offenses, enabling responses that are better suited to individual circumstances while preserving the integrity of existing programs.
The consultation meant to explore ways to promote greater consistency in the implementation of community-based programs across local government units, including how existing assessment mechanisms can better reflect varying local circumstances. The insights shared during the dialogue will help inform the Board’s continuing policy discussions and future policy directions.
#DangerousDrugsBoard #BagongPilipinas
