A Phenomenological Study of Drug Symposiums in Ternate West National High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In the 21st century, drug abuse is the root of major social problems and is considered as one of the most challenging social issues by the Philippine government. Moreover, it needs long-term and perennial solutions, which led the Philippine National Police in formulating Drug Symposiums. The purpose of the present study is to determine students' opinions of their experiences of attending Drug Symposiums held at Ternate West National High School -Ternate, Cavite. It is assumed that the students' participation in Drug Symposiums is fundamental in enabling them to use their right judgment regarding drug abuse. However, the researcher has observed that the students' drug awareness needs more improvement.

METHODS

This qualitative study was carried out based on phenomenological design. The study was conducted with 50 Grade 10 student-participants of Ternate West National High School in Brgy. Bucana, Ternate, Cavite. The student-participants' opinions were obtained via the semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers. The data collected and gathered were analyzed through content analysis method.

RESULTS

Student-participants' experiences in participating in the Municipal Drug Symposiums shared views and opinions where the being informative and educational categories of the events revealed. The researchers found that experiences of attending Drug Symposiums contributed much knowledge and awareness to the student participants. Also, the phenomenological theme indicated that students were educated on the adverse effects of illegal drugs, drug addiction policy issues, regulation of drugs, and the treatment of addictions. Thus, the result led to student-participants personal convictions, which guided them to resolve common personal, financial, and social problems without any involvement in drug-abuse.

DISCUSSIONS

In general, Drug Symposiums in the Municipality of Ternate succeeded on its purpose, holding the events in Ternate West National High School. Also, the study results support other researchers who have found that Drug Symposiums increase the knowledge and awareness of individuals of real-life drug prevention.