The National Drug Education Program has goals in pursuing a drug-free community Department of Education is working hand in hand with other sectors in achieving its purpose. The welfare of the youth has always been the top priority of the department and having said that, there are projects and activities organized in order to protect them from ill effects and hazards of illegal drugs and substances.

Our school, Baclaran Elementary School Unit II, is one with the government on its fight against drugs. However, with the level of understanding of the children to this issue, we kept in mind that the discussion and projects about drugs should always be carried out with proper guidance from the teachers and school coordinator. SHIELD Officers were elected in June 2019, followed by the meeting with the coordinator. The student officers are consists of seven Grade VI students. Each was informed with the role and the club’s responsibilities as part of SHIELD (Save Humanity, Ignite Education, and Live Desirably against Drugs).

As drugs and substance abuse in the Philippines is rampant, various government groups and NGOs are doubling their efforts to alleviate the problem. A few members of a private organization named Friendship Builders Foundation visited the school last August 14, 2019 and had an information campaign centred on drug abuse and its ill effects. The focus recipients of the talk are Grade 4-6 students.

To further strengthen our understanding with the issue, a lecture on the Reactivation and Functionality of School Anti-Drug Abuse Council (SADAC) occurred last November 26, 2019 in the Parañaque City Gymnasium. The program was spearheaded by PADAC, and was also participated by the Parañaque police and pastors. The guidance teacher, SPG adviser, NDEP coordinator and SPG officers in the division were invited and benefitted from the information shared by the distinguished and respectable guests. The discussion on how to manage cases with involvement to illegal drugs was enlightening to us, teachers, for there is a right and legal process that should be followed in handling such incident.

The NDEP school coordinator together with the SHIELD officers has planned and conducted activities in the school with regards to information dissemination. These projects were actualized in November and December of 2019. The corridor walls of the educational buildings were plastered with posters on the negative effects of drugs and its impact to one’s health. These posters were provided by the Department of Education. Continuing the advocacy, the officers did a short lecture on the hazards of smoking and the key information as to why it widely affects the society. Grade 4-6 students showed enthusiasm throughout the activity for there were rewards given by the officers.

The barangay successfully launched the Barangay Baclaran Drug Abuse Prevention Education (DAPE) Program last October 2016. The council consists of schools, organizations, Police Officers, NGO’s and Barangay Staff and Officials. The goal of the program is to educate the people about the hazards of illegal drug use not only to oneself but also to the society thus, strengthen our fight against illegal drugs. The first official meeting happened last September 2016 for the planning and preparation of the launch. Our Barangay Captain, Hon. Dulio B. Cailles, stressed the objectives and importance of the parade during the meeting. The committee also acknowledge the pros and cons of the event and what should be done in order to avoid possible conflicts. Our respected Major of Parañaque together with other police officers put in some great effort in keeping the parade safe and in an organized manner. Many people graced the event by showing up and by attentively listening to the advice and talks give by our valuable distinguished guests and members of the society.