The people who help shape drug abuse prevention at the local level came together in Ilagan City for the IDADAIT 2026 Symposium. Held as part of the country’s observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) 2026, which this year carries the global theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the symposium gathered nearly 1,000 representatives from local government units, City and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (CADACs and BADACs), national government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare institutions, and community organizations to deepen their understanding of the policies, programs, and approaches that guide prevention efforts in their respective sectors.
Rather than centering on a single aspect of drug abuse prevention, the symposium brought together discussions that reflected the country’s holistic and balanced response to the evolving drug situation through policy, public health, and law enforcement. The Dangerous Drugs Board’s (DDB) Preventive Education, Training and Information Division (PETID) presented the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) alongside the salient findings of the 2023 National Household Survey on the Patterns and Trends of Drug Abuse, providing participants with an evidence-based perspective on the country’s drug situation and the strategic direction of the national response. The Board’s Legal Affairs Division (LAD) also discussed the implementation of Drug-Free Workplace Policies in the public sector, emphasizing the role of government institutions in promoting safe and healthy work environments.
Complementing these discussions, the Department of Health – Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DOH-TRC) Region II shared the treatment, recovery, and available support services for persons with substance use disorders, underscoring the importance of accessible health interventions within the continuum of care. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region II, meanwhile, provided updates on the regional drug situation, community-based anti-drug initiatives, and the continuing role of local stakeholders in strengthening anti-drug efforts at the grassroots level.
While each institution carries distinct responsibilities, the discussions provided a common point of reference on the policies, data, programs, and local initiatives that inform their respective work, offering a broader appreciation of how these interconnected areas support drug abuse prevention across different institutions and communities.
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