DDB to revise anti-illegal drug strategy

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) on Friday said it will revise its anti-drug program, despite it being "one of the most balanced drug policy in Asia," to better address the country's drug situation.

"We all agree in the DDB, being the highest policy making body as far as dangerous drugs are concerned, we need to look at establishment and institutionalization of systems rather than focusing on the number of activities," DDB chairman Dr. Benjamin Reyes said in a policy forum held at UP Diliman.

"We need to determine the impact of our existing processes and provide measurable indicators to determine progress. We decided that we need to revise the previous National Anti-[Illegal] Drug Program of Action,"  Reyes added.

Dr. Benjamin Reyes, Chairman of Dangerous Drugs Board to present the drug situation in the Philippines. pic.twitter.com/jpzclC34K3

— Marlly Bondoc (@marllybondoc) May 5, 2017

Reyes assured those present in the forum that the revised National Anti-Illegal Drug Program of Action (NADPA)—to be presented to Malacañang on May 8—will remain in accordance with international standards.

"Let me assure you that it conforms with all UN [and] international standards. So we want to strengthen supply and demand initiatives by the government, review and amend laws and policies. We need to establish systems at the local government level," he said.

Reyes said that the new NADPA will also "harmonize" with the agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte's administration, which has launched a violent campaign against illegal drug syndicates.

"The new Philippine Anti-Illegal Drug strategy harmonizes the strategies and targets and deliverables identified under the social development agenda and also the national security policy of the Duterte administration," he said.

"We want to present the convergence systems that will support the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drug strategy implementation," he added.

Reyes then explained that DDB wants to enhance the following "pillars of action": supply, demand, civil awareness, alternative development, and international cooperation.

"The goal of the new document is to promote the continued adoption of the 5-pillar approach, assure alignment to current international and national plans, policies and priorities. And to incorporate available principles and tools provided by prevention science and latest evidence-based treatment modalities," he said.

Reyes said that DDB has already implemented a community-based models, noting that they will further launch a gender specific Cognitive-behavioral therapy on May 11, which will be piloted at Bicutan Treatment and Rehab Center.  —KBK, GMA News