As the Chair of the Treatment and Rehabilitation Working Group since 2018, the Philippines continues to showcase the government’s recent advancements in Treatment and Rehabilitation, particularly in promoting Community-Based Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs (CBDRP), Reintegration, and Aftercare services for Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs).
The discussions underscored the shared challenges among ASEAN member states, including the need to strengthen the capacity of treatment and rehabilitation professionals, establish effective monitoring mechanisms, and expand services to better address drug-related issues across the region.
45th ASOD: Myanmar passes chairmanship to PH, DDB as head of delegation
At the 45th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Drug Matters (ASOD), Myanmar formally handed over the chairmanship to the Philippines. His Excellency Thant Lwin Maung, the outgoing Chair, highlighted the critical need for continued global collaboration in the fight against illicit drugs. Reflecting on Myanmar’s leadership during the 44th ASOD, he underscored key discussions on precursor chemical control and regional anti-drug cooperation, stressing the importance of unified efforts among ASEAN member states to combat the global drug problem. He expressed gratitude to ASEAN members for their support and wished the Philippines success as it assumed the ASOD chairmanship.
Taking over as the new Chair, Undersecretary Earl P. Saavedra, Executive Director of the Dangerous Drugs Board, acknowledged the evolving complexities of drug production and trafficking across the region. He commended Myanmar’s stewardship of the 44th ASOD and praised the growth of the ASEAN community, particularly the expanding network of anti-drug advocates among member countries. Undersecretary Saavedra emphasized that the region must respond to these challenges with stronger collaboration and more responsive interventions.
With the Philippines taking on the ASOD chairmanship, the focus on implementing effective interventions, sharing best practices, and fostering stronger cooperation will continue to play a pivotal role in the region’s united efforts toward a safer and healthier ASEAN.
ASEAN Sec presents Illicit Drug Reports, boosting maritime and cyber security
The ASEAN Secretariat presented a comprehensive report highlighting key developments related to addressing illicit drugs in the region.
Under the Political-Security Community pillar of the ASEAN, the report emphasized the continued priority of combating illicit drug trafficking. Strengthening border management was also discussed, including enhancing immigration procedures and defense cooperation to prevent the cross-border movement of illegal drugs. These measures aim to bolster regional security and address the evolving challenges posed by drug trafficking in both maritime and cyberspace environments.
PH, to oversee ASEAN Work Plan on Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs 2016-2025
The Philippines, serving as Chair of the 45th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Drug Matters (ASOD), will oversee the Final Review of the ASEAN Work Plan on Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs 2016-2025, a significant outcome of its Chairmanship. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) entrusted the Philippines with this responsibility during the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting.
The Philippines is dedicated to conducting a thorough evaluation of the Work Plan, assessing achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement. This will be done in alignment with the objectives, methodology, and tools of the Review to ensure consistency with the Work Plan’s goals. The final report will incorporate inputs from the ASOD Secretariat and ASEAN member states.
The ASEAN Work Plan on Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs 2016-2025 outlines key strategies and actions to combat illicit drug activities and reduce their harmful impacts. It reflects the region’s commitment to addressing the drug issue through collaborative efforts and lays out a clear roadmap for ASEAN member states, promoting long-term resilience and well-being across the region.
ASEAN Member State ‘Pledges’ to a strengthened partnership
The 45th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Drug Matters (ASOD) concluded on the third day with a series of productive consultations between ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Russia. Each consultation session was co-chaired by representatives from both ASEAN and the respective partner countries, ensuring focused discussions and meaningful exchanges of data, best practices, and ongoing projects.
The consultations covered a broad range of topics, including the coordination of efforts to combat the illicit drug trade, enhancing rehabilitation and reintegration programs, and strengthening preventive measures. Key initiatives were shared by all participants, with an emphasis on regional cooperation.
The co-chairs underscored the importance of these consultations as a means to deepen collaboration and sustain the gains of the current drug situation across ASEAN countries as per the ASEAN Drug Monitoring Report 2023. The dialogue also reinforced the shared commitment to adopting comprehensive, evidence-based approaches that address the multifaceted challenges posed by illicit drugs across the region.
The day’s discussions renewed the ASEAN member states’ pledge to continue working closely, sharing resources, and aligning their respective strategies to protect public health and ensure safer communities.
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