Advancing a health-centered and education-driven approach to drug prevention, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) conducted the Drug Abuse Prevention Education (DAPE) Caravan at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) – Batac Campus in Ilocos Norte.
The session convened students in a purposeful dialogue on the relationship between mental well-being, peer influence, and risk behavior. DDB resource persons discussed the health, social, and legal consequences of substance use, while emphasizing resilience, sound judgment, and the value of supportive environments in navigating everyday challenges.
Designed as an interactive engagement, the caravan encouraged reflection on real-life campus situations and responsible decision-making. The open forum provided a respectful space for students to raise questions, exchange perspectives, and deepen their understanding of prevention.
Aligned with Republic Act No. 9165, which calls on educational institutions to integrate drug abuse prevention initiatives into school programs and student activities, and Executive Order No. 66, Series of 2018, which enjoins State Universities and Colleges to support the implementation of the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy, the engagement affirmed the vital role of schools and the youth in advancing national prevention efforts.
Universities such as MMSU serve as communities where awareness is strengthened, values are formed, and leadership takes root. When students actively participate in discussions on prevention, they help foster a campus culture grounded in responsibility and care.
Through sustained collaboration with institutions of learning, the DDB continues to advance youth-focused prevention initiatives that empower students to make informed choices and contribute to safer, healthier communities.
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