At the Luzon leg of the Zonal Public Orientation on Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 5, Series of 2026, or the Pathway to “Health and Well-Being” in Higher Education and its Monitoring Instrument, held in Baguio City, Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairperson – Secretary Oscar Valenzuela emphasized the critical role of higher education institutions in shaping environments that support both learning and well-being.
Speaking before representatives from CHED Regional Offices and higher education institutions across the Luzon cluster, he highlighted that the youth, while full of potential, remain vulnerable to pressures that can influence risk behaviors, making prevention and early support essential during their formative years. In this context, he underscored the importance of sustained preventive education, access to accurate information, and strong support systems within schools.
Secretary Valenzuela also pointed to the country’s evolving approach to addressing the drug situation, which now places greater focus on community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration. This direction reinforces the need for institutions to move beyond awareness and establish systems that guide students toward informed decisions and sustained support.
He emphasized that translating policy into practice requires strong collaboration among CHED, partner agencies, and higher education institutions. Through these partnerships, institutions are better positioned to build environments where student well-being is integrated into everyday academic life and supported through coordinated systems.
He also reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to work alongside partner institutions in advancing preventive education, strengthening support mechanisms, and adapting responses to emerging challenges.
In this context, the orientation serves not only as a platform for alignment, but as a step toward ensuring that institutional systems are in place to support students in practical and sustained ways.
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