As part of the Commission on Higher Education’s commitment to the anti-illegal drugs education campaign, CHED-CAR has successfully conducted the second phase of the Training of Trainers for the Drug Prevention Education Program at the Plaza Garden Hotel on Legarda Road, Baguio City. Nearly 100 participants, including guidance counselors and student leaders, attended this training session designed to address drug abuse in educational institutions.

The following initiative aligns with Presidential Executive Order No. 66, issued in 2018, formally establishing the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS). The main objective of this training program is to provide school personnel with the necessary knowledge and expertise to effectively handle drug abuse prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and support services.

During the training, Dr. Demetrio Anduyan Jr., the CHED-CAR Regional Director, acknowledged the importance of the fight against anti-illegal drugs and the active involvement of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the training. He challenged the schools to come up with strategies involving all internal and external stakeholders of each institution.
“I challenge all the Higher Education Institutions to come up with a comprehensive strategy, a whole-of-nation approach, in combating drug addiction. A whole-of-nation approach involves all the resources and efforts of our institutions. We should involve all internal and external stakeholders to take part in this campaign because one cannot do this alone.”

The comprehensive training session aimed to enhance schools’ capacity to deal with the challenges posed by illegal drugs. By providing participants with the necessary tools and information, the program seeks to empower them to create a safe and drug-free environment for the students.

In order to help schools better address the challenges of illegal drug use in the community, Dr. Clarette Rosario Dy from the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) discussed community-based intervention and rehabilitation for individuals who use drugs.

Mr. Herwin Siong, also from BGHMC, discussed public health issues related to drug abuse, emphasizing the effects, treatment, and rehabilitation programs for drug abuse.

During the activity, the best practices of Saint Louis University in the fight against illegal drugs were also shared, as they have been recently awarded by CHED as one of the institutions with the most innovative strategies last May 17, 2024. SLU’s campaign against illegal drugs, efforts, and strategies were discussed by Ms. Tricealyn Mari Prestousa, SLU’s Director of Student Affairs Services.

Participants also expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge in the Anti-illegal Drug Education Program.

As the second phase of the Training of Trainers wraps up, CHED-CAR anticipates the beneficial influence that the trained personnel will bring to their respective institutions. By promoting a proactive stance on drug prevention and intervention, the program aims to contribute to a healthier and safer educational environment in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

This training is part of CHED’s PADS Series. It is the initial training session for the upcoming series of trainings and lectures aimed at HEI stakeholders, followed by students. In the third quarter of the academic calendar, CHED-CAR will conduct PADS training across six provinces in the region for students.