The Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) is a cohesive, comprehensive, and balanced strategy aligned with international and regional frameworks on drug prevention and control. Cognizant of the multi-dimensionality of the drug problem, the PADS is also anchored on strategies on national security, public order and socio-economic development.
The Dangerous Drugs Board has been steadfast in implementing the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy in collaboration with the PADS implementing agencies and other stakeholders since its institutionalization through Executive Order No. 66, Series of 2018.
Under the leadership of Secretary Oscar F. Valenzuela, the DDB continues to build on the successes of the current PADS framework, as reflected in the findings from the 2023 National Household Survey on the Patterns and Trends of Drug Abuse in the Philippines, which reported an 11.7% decrease in current drug users — from 1.67 million in 2019 to 1.47 million in 2023. The DDB underscores the need to continually enhance the existing PADS by incorporating a third pillar—Health, Social, and Developmental Services—in addition to the two-pronged approach of Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction. This enhancement forms part of the agency’s short-term goals to align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s policy shift to prioritize drug prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration, and aftercare.
Main Components
Drug Supply Reduction
Take away drugs from the public through market denial operations and enforcement of regulatory mechanisms to prevent diversion of controlled precursors and essential chemicals with legitimate medical and industrial use. Proliferation of illegal drugs will also be eliminated through sustainable alternative development programs.
Drug Supply Reduction
Take away drugs from the public through market denial operations and enforcement of regulatory mechanisms to prevent diversion of controlled precursors and essential chemicals with legitimate medical and industrial use. Proliferation of illegal drugs will also be eliminated through sustainable alternative development programs.
Governing Principles
Evidence-based and Culturally-appropriate
The PADS, while firmly grounded on evidence and best available science, is also attuned to Filipino values and is tailored to fit…see more.
Intersectoral and Participatory
It brings together the efforts of diverse stakeholders – families, schools, communities, workplaces, civic groups, …see more.
Comprehensive and Balanced Approach
It is a comprehensive and balanced approach that puts significant premium on both drug supply and drug demand …see more.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring and evaluation is an essential component of this plan. Relevant agencies have identified their specific roles and responsibilities in implementing the anti-drug strategy and indicators have been determined to measure the success of the drug prevention and control initiatives.
The monitoring and evaluation system of the plan has three purposes:
1. Support to evidence-based decision making
The data collected from the monitoring and evaluation of different interventions will be fed back to oversight agencies…see more.
2. Ensuring policy and program improvement and learning
The information and insights that will arise from the data will be particularly useful for oversight agencies in recommending…see more.
3. Ensuring
accountability
The implementing agencies will be required to demonstrate relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability…see more.
Call to Action
As the drug issue threatens the stability of Philippine economy and security, there is a need for all Filipinos to actively participate in drug prevention and control initiatives. These actions must be anchored on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and promotion of public health and safety.
Let our one voice be heard as we recognize the drug concern as a public health issue and commit ourselves to:
Safeguard the health and well-being of the Filipino people through proactive drug strategies.
Align drug policies and programs with existing international and national protocols, laws and standards.
Implement a well-balanced national anti-drug program through strict law enforcement.
Form a strong alliance among various stakeholders.
Evidence-based and Culturally-appropriate
The PADS, while firmly grounded on evidence and best available science, is also attuned to Filipino values and is tailored to fit the socio-cultural context.
Intersectoral and Participatory
It brings together the efforts of diverse stakeholders – families, schools, communities, workplaces, civic groups, youth groups, media, and faith-based organizations – and builds on their unified focus to work collaboratively. It provides a venue for sharing resources and highlights the importance of local government units in delivering quality prevention programs and community-based intervention services on the ground.
Comprehensive and Balanced Approach
It is a comprehensive and balanced approach that puts significant premium on both drug supply and drug demand reduction efforts and initiatives. Alternative development, civic awareness and response, as well as regional
1. Support to evidence-based decision making
The data collected from the monitoring and evaluation of different interventions will be fed back to oversight agencies and other stakeholders as input in the decision-making process.
2. Ensuring policy and program improvement and learning
The information and insights that will arise from the data will be particularly useful for oversight agencies in recommending which policies, programs or projects should be adjusted, strengthened or re-designed.
3. Ensuring accountability
The implementing agencies will be required to demonstrate relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the resources provided to them.