SK anti-drug advocacy program pushed by PDEA

As part of the continuing campaign aimed at reducing demand for illegal drugs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is pushing for the creation of a uniform anti-drug advocacy program for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) nationwide.


According to PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino, the uniformed anti-drug advocacy programs for SK will be implemented in coordination with the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).


During the SK Summit in Bren Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga last Aug. 2, Aquino urged the 8,000 SK officials who attended the event to organize less basketball tournaments and beauty pageants and focus more on organizing anti-drug advocacy programs.


“SKs has a 5 percent annual budget from the barangay funds that can be used for the implementation of anti-drug advocacy programs in their community,” Aquino said.

Aquino also cited the capability of the youth in utilizing technology as a way to effectively disseminate information against the drug menace.


“SK officials can use the different social media platforms in disseminating correct information to the youth. They can discourage young people from using illegal drugs and educate them on the harmful impact of this industry to an individual and to the society as a whole,” he said, adding that youth leaders are also role models in their respective barangays, municipalities and cities.


“We dream to have a country that is free of drug menace. We want to put an end to the killings and the criminality brought about by the illegal drug industry. We dream of a nation with proud and rich culture untainted by anomalies, corruption, greed and crime. We encourage you to share this dream and start putting it into reality,” Aquino said.


“The youth is the voice of this nation. So, we appeal to them to maximize such power and help the government change the future of this country. They have the capacity to communicate among their peers, reach out to them and understand them in many ways we cannot as adults, as parents,” the PDEA chief added. (CD)

Source: PTV News. Photo credit: PDEA