The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) participated as a resource agency in the Organizational Meeting of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs at the House of Representatives. The meeting provided an opportunity for the DDB to present updates on the country’s anti-drug programs and policies, as well as the agency’s strategic priorities under the Enhanced Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy.
In its presentation, the DDB highlighted the 2023 National Household Survey on the Patterns and Trends of Drug Abuse, which recorded a decline in drug prevalence from 2.05% in 2019 to 1.71% in 2023—representing over 196,000 fewer current drug users nationwide. While marijuana remains the most used substance, followed by shabu, the Board stressed the need for targeted interventions in regions with increased prevalence.
The DDB also reported on the expansion of treatment and rehabilitation services, with 88 operational centers nationwide serving more than 6,500 clients through residential, outpatient, and community-based programs. Complementary aftercare and reintegration measures continue to be strengthened to sustain recovery.
Looking ahead, the agency outlined its key priorities, including broadening preventive education, expanding rehabilitation capacity, institutionalizing relapse prevention, integrating services into Universal Health Care, and advancing policy reforms to allow voluntary treatment access without court prerequisites.
The DDB, represented by its Chairperson – Secretary Oscar Valenzuela, Executive Director – Undersecretary Earl Saavedra, and Deputy Executive Director – Assistant Secretary Ferdaussi Masnar, reaffirmed its commitment to a balanced, holistic, evidence-based approach—one that integrates public health, human rights, and law enforcement in building a healthy and safe Philippines.
