The Local Anti-Drug Abuse Councils Functionality in North Luzon, Philippines

Authors

  • Carmelo John E. Vidal
  • Atanacio T. Padawil

Keywords:

Local Anti Drug Abuse Councils, Functionality of Anti Drug Abuse Councils, Philippines, North Luzon

Abstract

The local Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) in the Philippines play a critical role in the coordination and proper monitoring of drug-related incidents. All local government units (LGUs)are mandated to activate, strengthen, and ensure the effectiveness of the councils to eliminate drug affectation through capacity development and advocacy programs for all stakeholders to support the present administration’s campaign against illegal drugs towards drug-free communities. For this reason, it is quintessential to underscore the functionality of ADACs focusing on their structural consistency and monitoring and reporting system in the purview of an enabling environment facilitated by the different sectors in the LGU. In this regard, this probe ascertained the extent of implementation of programs, projects and activities as well as operations per comprehensive local anti-drug plan of action of the cities and municipalities in the four provinces of the Region I in North Luzon, Philippines. To address this objective, mixed-method research particularly the sequential explanatory type was employed aided by documentary and thematic analyses. Data were gathered through reports prepared by the LGUs for the ADAC functionality audits and interviews with the local government operations officers together with the ADAC members. Results revealed that the councils registered high functionality insofar as several drug dependents in the area, drug-related crime incidents as certified by the local police and/or the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and preventive/intervention activities. The ADACs were assessed to be effective in the cohesion of policies for the inter-governmental roles and responsibilities relative to drug demand and supply reduction with emphasis on following: creation/ reorganization of ADAC; allocation of substantial amount to support the ADAC plan; implementation of plans and programs; support to ADACs in component LGUs; conduct of meetings and innovations like establishment of one-stop-shop facilities. The multisectoral nature of the ADACs ensured their functionality and effectiveness in combatting the drug problem.

Published

2019-12-18