During the 21st ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime in Bangladesh, Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Permanent Member – Undersecretary Abad Osit presented the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) as a whole-of-nation approach to the country’s drug problem.
He emphasized the three key components of the PADS: drug demand reduction, supply reduction, and the provision of health, social, and developmental services. A primary focus was placed on preventive education, tailored to various sectors, grounded in a scientific, evidence-based, and health-centered framework, with the objective of reducing demand and, consequently, diminishing the supply of drugs.
Undersecretary Osit also highlighted the DDB’s role as the policy-making and strategy-formulating body leading the national approach to drug prevention and control. The Board is composed of a broad network of government agencies and non-government organizations, ensuring a unified and coordinated effort across all sectors in tackling drug-related issues.
The Philippines’ active participation in regional efforts underscores its commitment to a sustainable and comprehensive response to the global drug crisis.
