Dangerous Drugs Board, NIA Northside Road, Quezon City (2026)

05/08/2026

The Philippines presented its latest updates on drug prevention and control during the 47th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD), offering fellow ASEAN Member States an overview of the country's current drug situation and the measures being undertaken under the Enhanced Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (E-PADS).

Recent national estimates showed a decline in the prevalence of current drug use compared to previous years, while treatment and rehabilitation data continue to provide valuable insights into emerging trends and service delivery. Together, these data help shape policies and interventions that respond to the evolving drug situation.

Anchored on E-PADS, the Philippines outlined how its response brings together supply reduction, drug demand reduction, and health, social, and developmental services to address the drug problem through complementary and mutually reinforcing strategies.

The presentation also featured initiatives that translate these pillars into action, from preventive education in schools, workplaces, and communities to expanded access to treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration services delivered through local government units and community-based programs. These efforts reflect the country's recognition that prevention, recovery, and social support are essential components of an effective and sustainable response.

The Philippines also shared selected policy initiatives and innovations that support the implementation of its national strategy while exchanging experiences and practical insights with fellow ASEAN Member States. Through platforms such as ASOD, countries continue to learn from one another's approaches and contribute to a more informed and coordinated regional response to the drug problem.

05/08/2026

As ASEAN continues to strengthen regional cooperation amid evolving opportunities and challenges, the Philippines remains an active partner in shaping the region's future.

This commitment to regional cooperation was reflected in the recent developments presented by the ASEAN Secretariat during the 47th ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD). Among the key milestones were the successful hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu and the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Its Related Meetings in Manila, where Member States advanced initiatives that reinforce ASEAN's unity, expand regional and international partnerships, and support Timor-Leste's integration as the Association's 11th Member State.

Alongside these regional milestones, the Philippines continues to contribute to ASEAN's agenda through its leadership in drug policy cooperation. At the 48th ASEAN Summit, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the important role of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters (AMMD), while reaffirming the country's commitment to the continued implementation of the ASEAN Workplan on Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs, recognizing the importance of sustained regional coordination in addressing evolving drug-related challenges. As Chair of the 9th AMMD, the Philippines is leading the Final Review of the ASEAN Workplan on Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs (2016–2025). This undertaking seeks to ensure that the regional framework remains relevant, responsive, and aligned with ASEAN's shared priorities while further strengthening cooperation among Member States in promoting safer and more secure communities.

The ASEAN Secretariat also shared progress across the ASEAN Political-Security Community Pillar, including strengthened cooperation in combating transnational crime, border management, law and justice, defense, cybersecurity, and efforts to address online scams, trafficking, and other cross-border concerns. Together, these developments reflect ASEAN's commitment to fostering peace, security, resilience, and sustainable development across the region.

As ASEAN embarks on the first year of implementing ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to working alongside fellow Member States in building a more resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking ASEAN. Through continued collaboration under regional mechanisms such as ASOD and the AMMD, the region is better positioned to address evolving challenges and realize the shared aspirations of the ASEAN Community for the benefit of its peoples.

04/08/2026

The 2025 ASEAN Drug Monitoring (ADM) Report highlights how the drug situation across the region continues to evolve during the 47th ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD), chaired by ASOD-Thailand.

As the Philippine delegation, led by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), participates in the 47th ASOD, the report serves as an important reference for regional discussions. Drawing from trends in drug treatment admissions, drug seizures, and law enforcement efforts, it identifies six key signals: the rise of synthetic drugs, increasing treatment demand and drug seizures, the continued expansion of crystal methamphetamine, growing polydrug use, the increasing sophistication of criminal networks, and the need to strengthen preparedness for emerging drug threats.

These findings reinforce the value of data in shaping effective responses. By transforming data into insight, insight into cooperation, and cooperation into lasting partnerships, ASEAN pushes for a more coordinated response to emerging drug threats and advances for a safer region.

03/08/2026

As national policies take shape at the local level, opportunities often emerge to address implementation concerns, and ensure that they continue to serve the communities they are meant to support.

At the request of the City Government of Imus, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) held a consultative meeting with the City Government of Imus Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CIADAC), together with representatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), to provide policy direction and discuss local implementation concerns encountered in carrying out the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) and other community-based drug prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation initiatives.

The consultation was led by DDB Permanent Members - Undersecretary Armando Ramolete and Undersecretary Abad Osit, together with Assistant Secretary Ferdaussi Masnar and Heads of key operating units. The DDB delegation, through Chief of Policy Studies, Research, and Statistics Division - Mr. Michael Miatari, presented the Enhanced Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (E-PADS), which provided the policy context for the discussions that followed.

Imus PNP Chief and Vice Chairperson of the City Government of Imus Anti-Drug Abuse Council - Police Lieutenant Colonel Chey Chey Saulog acknowledged the value of the consultation as an opportunity for policy dialogue between national government agencies and the local government. City officials then shared their operational experiences and challenges, allowing the DDB and PDEA to provide guidance, clarify existing policies, and address questions raised in the course of implementation.

Access to intervention and rehabilitation services was also discussed, with the DDB emphasizing that appropriate assistance should not be delayed by documentary certification requirements The discussion likewise covered policy refinements that seek to more clearly distinguish individuals who require intervention and rehabilitation from those involved in drug offenses, enabling responses that are better suited to individual circumstances while preserving the integrity of existing programs.

The consultation meant to explore ways to promote greater consistency in the implementation of community-based programs across local government units, including how existing assessment mechanisms can better reflect varying local circumstances. The insights shared during the dialogue will help inform the Board's continuing policy discussions and future policy directions.

01/08/2026

The voluntary turnover of approximately ₱1.514 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) by the fisherfolk of Barangay Sisiman, Mariveles, Bataan stands as a compelling example of how responsible citizen action can help protect communities from the harms of illegal drugs. After discovering the illegal drugs floating off the waters of Masinloc, Zambales, the fisherfolk immediately reported the discovery to authorities, preventing the contraband from reaching communities.

Following this act of civic responsibility, Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairperson - Secretary Oscar Valenzuela joined Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Isagani Nerez and partner government agencies in an Empathy Dialogue and Community Outreach Activity with the fisherfolk. The activity provided an opportunity to recognize their actions while engaging them in discussions aimed at strengthening rapport, fostering mutual trust, and sustaining cooperation between government and coastal communities.

The dialogues such as these reinforce that addressing the drug problem extends beyond intercepting illegal drugs. They also enable government to engage communities directly, gain a better understanding of their experiences, and encourage continued public cooperation in efforts to prevent illegal drugs from causing harm.

Secretary Valenzuela emphasized that the actions of the Mariveles fisherfolk demonstrate how ordinary citizens can make a meaningful contribution to public safety. He noted that by working together, government and communities strengthen the country's balanced approach to drug abuse prevention and control, where prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, aftercare, reintegration, and law enforcement work hand in hand.

31/07/2026

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), represented by Deputy Executive Director for Operations - Assistant Secretary Ferdaussi Masnar, joined the Self Enhancement for Life Foundation, Inc. (SELF) in the formal inauguration of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel and the Family Association Meeting (FAM) Lecture Hall.

In his message, Assistant Secretary Masnar emphasized that recovery extends beyond treatment, noting that lasting healing is made possible through the shared efforts of institutions, communities, families, and individuals. The newly inaugurated facilities will provide dedicated venues for Family Association Meetings and training programs anchored on the Therapeutic Community approach, creating opportunities for families and practitioners to strengthen partnerships while expanding the support available to persons in recovery and their loved ones.

The event also served as the opening of the Federation of Therapeutic Communities in Asia (FTCA) Symposium on Families, where practitioners, treatment providers, family advocates, and recovery champions from across Asia shared experiences and good practices on empowering families within therapeutic communities. The exchange of perspectives highlighted how families can become active partners in helping sustain the recovery journey and support successful reintegration.

The inauguration and symposium reflected SELF's enduring mission of "Rekindling Hope, Rebuilding Lives," built on more than three decades of implementing therapeutic community-based programs that promote personal transformation, strengthen family participation, and foster community support.

By creating spaces where families, treatment providers, and community partners can connect and learn from one another, initiatives such as these help create a stronger network of support for individuals working toward lasting recovery and successful reintegration.

30/07/2026

Student leaders, Student Affairs and Services practitioners, public health professionals, legal experts, and government agencies came together during the 2026 Student Leaders Conference and ACHIEVE for Health and Well-Being Awards, organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office I. The conference brought together representatives from higher education institutions across the Ilocos Region to examine the evolving landscape of student development and the policies, programs, and campus support systems that respond to the needs of today's learners.

The discussions reflected the broad scope of student welfare in higher education, covering health and well-being, anti-hazing, HIV awareness and prevention, gender-responsive and safe campuses, and the continuing enhancement of Student Affairs and Services. Together, these conversations highlighted how student development extends beyond academic instruction, requiring coordinated institutional approaches that promote health, safety, inclusion, leadership, and access to appropriate support throughout the student experience.

Joining the multidisciplinary dialogue, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) highlighted the role of Drug Abuse Prevention Education within higher education institutions. Representing the DDB, Deputy Executive Director for Administration - Assistant Secretary Ma. Victoria Sorne shared findings from the 2023 National Household Survey on the Patterns and Trends of Drug Abuse, noting that adolescence and early adulthood remain critical periods for prevention. She discussed how life skills education, supportive school communities, and positive peer influence help equip young people to make healthy and informed decisions, emphasizing that effective prevention combines awareness with the practical competencies needed to navigate real-life situations.

Assistant Secretary Sorne likewise encouraged student leaders to become partners in promoting healthy lifestyles, positive peer influence, and community engagement, recognizing the valuable role they play in shaping campus culture. She also highlighted the DDB's continuing collaboration with the CHED in advancing Drug Abuse Prevention Education through evidence-informed and life skills-based approaches integrated into higher education initiatives.

The discussions throughout the conference reflected the increasingly interconnected nature of student development, where education, health, safety, and prevention are addressed not as separate priorities, but as complementary elements of a learning environment that supports students in making informed decisions, exercising responsible leadership, and contributing positively to their communities.

29/07/2026

Baguio City is giving new purpose to an existing public facility as it continues to invest in local programs addressing substance use disorders. Through ₱5 million worth of financial assistance from the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), the City Government will improve its multi-purpose facility to better accommodate prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration activities, allowing more programs to be delivered in a setting designed for recovery and community engagement.

The financial assistance was formally turned over during the City Government's regular Monday Flag Raising Ceremony, where DDB Permanent Member - Undersecretary Armando Ramolete and Deputy Executive Director for Administration - Assistant Secretary Ma. Victoria Sorne presented the cheque to Mayor Benjamin Magalong in the presence of city officials.

Assistant Secretary Sorne said the project demonstrates how national support can be translated into practical initiatives that communities can directly benefit from. Undersecretary Ramolete added that improving existing public facilities is not simply about upgrading infrastructure, but about providing more appropriate spaces where prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs can be carried out effectively.

Following the ceremony, DDB officials paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Magalong to discuss the planned facility improvements and exchange updates on Baguio City's ongoing drug demand reduction initiatives. The meeting also provided an opportunity to identify priority areas where the DDB and the City Government can continue working together in support of local programs.

28/07/2026

Preventive drug education continues to evolve across ASEAN as Member States develop policies, strengthen institutions, and implement programs that respond to the changing needs of their respective populations. This collective direction was evident during the 32nd ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) Working Group on Preventive Education chaired by ASOD - Indonesia, where countries presented national initiatives and discussed regional priorities that support drug demand reduction.

As part of the discussions, the Philippines, through the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), presented the preventive education initiatives being implemented under the Enhanced Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (E-PADS). The country's presentation demonstrated how preventive education is being integrated across schools, communities, workplaces, families, and government institutions through life skills education, parenting interventions, competency development for prevention practitioners, community-based programs, digital advocacy, research, and information systems that support evidence-informed planning and evaluation.

The presentations of ASEAN Member States likewise reflected common areas of focus despite differences in national approaches. Across the region, countries continue to strengthen the competencies of prevention practitioners, expand the use of digital technologies, support research that informs policy and programming, and develop interventions that respond to the needs of different sectors and communities.

Complementing these national initiatives, the ASEAN Training Center for Preventive Drug Education (ATCPDE) presented its recent regional accomplishments, including capacity-building activities on artificial intelligence and digital tools for prevention, collaborative training on monitoring and evaluation of prevention programs, and updated research on information, education, and communication materials developed by ASEAN Member States. The Center also presented recommendations to further strengthen preventive drug education by promoting family-oriented resources, positive and skills-based messaging, wider use of digital platforms, and more robust monitoring and evaluation systems.

The Working Group highlighted how national experiences continue to inform regional efforts in preventive drug education. By examining policies, programs, and emerging approaches across ASEAN, Member States gain practical insights that can be adapted within their respective contexts while contributing to the region's broader objective of advancing evidence-informed and sustainable approaches to drug demand reduction.

27/07/2026

Ahead of the President's State of the Nation Address, Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairperson - Secretary Oscar Valenzuela and Executive Director - Undersecretary Earl Saavedra are at the Batasang Pambansa Complex for the President's report on the nation's priorities and accomplishments.

The DDB leadership looks forward to the President highlighting the gains of the national government’s anti-drug campaign, particularly the sustained shift toward a balanced, holistic, and comprehensive strategy that recognizes law enforcement, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, aftercare, and reintegration as equally important pillars of the country's response to the drug problem.

Dangerous Drugs Board

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