As part of the region’s BIDA Ka! series and in celebration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) or World Drug Day, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 initiated an awareness activity on the IDADAIT and Drug-Free Workplace Program and Policies to its personnel on June 26, 2023, at the DILG Regional Office 10.

With the theme “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”, the IDADAIT aims to create awareness and promote prevention on the use of illegal drugs in the country. The IDADAIT also involves various stakeholders, including government bodies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and the general public, to ensure a comprehensive approach to combating drug abuse and illicit drug trade.

“The use of illegal drugs is still a serious matter and a continuing threat to our health, overall well-being, and national security that is why we are all here today to continue manifesting our full support in our campaign against illegal drugs,” said DILG 10 Regional Director Wilhelm M. Suyko, CESO  IV.

Department of Health – Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DOH-TRC) Medical Officer Dr. Crisbelle Ann Irag, discussed drug use disorders, the importance of early intervention and support, voluntary services for all people who use drugs (PWUDs), combating stigma, and empowering communities to prevent drug use and addiction.

Dr. Irag mentioned that the recovery from substance addiction is a long-term process and frequently requires multiple episodes of treatment.

“In the rehabilitation center, we teach our clients to have personal responsibility, enhance their self-image positively, and create a sense of human community so that they can grow and take responsibility for their lives,” he explained.

Further, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-10 Agent Kevin V. Ladrido presented the Drug Abuse Prevention Education and explained the commonly used drugs in the country, how are drugs taken, the types and effects of using illegal drugs, and how to prevent using illegal drug abuse.

Meanwhile, the Salient Features of RA 9165 and the Drug-Free Workplace Program were discussed by PDEA Agent Ramil C. Salido who mentioned that a drug-free workplace refers to a policy or environment in which the use, possession, distribution, or being under the influence of illicit drugs is strictly prohibited, further emphasizing that the policy is typically implemented by employers to ensure a safe, healthy, and productive work environment for employees.

Present during the activity were the DILG Regional Office and DILG Misamis Oriental personnel.

#WorldDrugDay #IDADAITPH2023