Drug addiction refers to the behavioral condition where an individual’s need to obtain and use (especially, self-administer) drugs becomes a strong fixation.

Drug dependence describes the state when an individual is dependent upon the drug for normal physiological functions.

The DDB is the policy-making and strategy-formulating body in the planning and formulation of policies and programs on drug prevention and control of the Philippine government. As such, the DDB creates policies and strategizes the implementation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (R.A. 9165). The DDB likewise initiates programs geared towards preventive education, alternative development, public awareness and international cooperation.

DDB’s 2019 National Household Survey results have cited (1) cannabis sativa, and (2) methamphetamine hydrochloride to be the most commonly abused substances in the country.

The DDB produces several IEC materials for the general public. These collaterals, along with other publications of the Board, may be downloaded from this site (click here) and distributed during training and events.

The DDB, through its Preventive Education, Training and Information Division (PETID), welcomes requests for trainings, seminars, event launches as well as campaigns in schools, communities and other settings.

Interested parties may contact us via our contact form or by writing to the Executive Director:

Usec. Earl P. Saavedra, CESO V

Executive Director V

Dangerous Drugs Board

3rd Floor, DDB-PDEA Bldg.,

NIA Road, East Triangle,

Diliman, Quezon City 1102

Yes. You just have to write a letter addressed to the Executive Director of the Dangerous Drugs Board stating the purpose of the research and the data or information needed. You can also use the contact form here.

A DDB certification is issued to attest that substance/s manufactured or imported by companies are not included in the list of dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals.

A Certificate of Exemption, on the other hand, is issued to exempt products/ preparations containing dangerous drugs and/ or controlled substances that are below and above the 30% threshold from certain regulatory control measures.

The Board has set several regulations, resolutions and issuances to guide medical practitioners in handling and dispensing dangerous drugs. Among others, pharmacists should ensure that the following requirements are met before dispensing dangerous drugs: personalized prescription containing the date of prescription, name of patient, name of prescribing physician, PTR, S2 License Number, address, telephone number, brand name or generic name of the drug, total number of units to be supplied in words, followed by its equivalent in Roman numerals enclosed in parentheses; specified direction for use, words “non-repetition”; and signature of the prescriber.

In addition, a valid ID should be presented by the buyer. The type of ID used and its number should be written at the back of the prescription along with the full name and address of the buyer.

Any person undergoing treatment for a medical condition entering, leaving or passing through the Philippines, may possess such quantities of a dangerous drug, or drug preparation in any dosage form, prescribed by a valid PDEA S2-licensed physician, and are used only for the purposes of such.

International travelers with pre-existing medical conditions should be ready to present the following:

1. Letter from attending physician, describing the medical condition of the traveler (for incoming and outgoing passengers)
2. Physician’s prescription including the trade and generic names of the prescribed dangerous drugs and/or preparation provided that the medication would not exceed a (30) thirty day supply. Prescriptions of dangerous drugs and/or drug preparation must be in original/personalized containers and properly labelled.