DRUG FREE BARANGAY SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM IN SAN AGUSTIN NOVALICHES QUEZON CITY

Abstract

As of February 2024, 28,330 barangays in the Philippines had been officially declared drug-free, while 7,181 remained drug-affected. Despite the ongoing challenges in maintaining and expanding this progress, the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) continues to serve as a vital mechanism in the national campaign against illegal drugs, making the goal of a 100% drug-free Philippines increasingly attainable. Notably, in 2019, Quezon City was recognized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – National Capital Region (PDEA-NCR) for its outstanding efforts, with 30 barangays, including Barangay San Agustin, successfully meeting the agency’s rigorous standards for drug-free status. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Drug-Free Barangay Sustainability Program by examining its implementation in terms of legal and procedural compliance, training and inter-agency coordination, and adherence to human rights principles. It also sought to identify key challenges encountered during execution and propose strategic actions for improvement. A total of 50 respondents comprising barangay officials, police officers, and community residents, were selected through purposive sampling, ensuring the inclusion of individuals with relevant experience in drug enforcement, rehabilitation, and community engagement. The study employed a quantitative descriptive research design to systematically analyze participants’ evaluations of the program’s overall effectiveness and operational integrity. The majority of respondents were female, predominantly within the age range of 34 to 41 years. Results revealed a strong consensus among participants, who expressed high levels of agreement regarding the effective implementation of the Drug-Free Barangay Sustainability Program particularly in the areas of legal and procedural compliance, training and inter-agency coordination, and adherence to human rights standards. The most pressing challenge identified was the recurrence of drug use among some rehabilitated individuals, attributed to the absence of a robust and sustained support system. To address this issue, respondents emphasized the need to establish comprehensive aftercare programs, incorporating mental health services and livelihood assistance, to support long-term recovery and successful reintegration into the community. To enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the Drug-Free Barangay Sustainability Program, several key recommendations are proposed. Strengthening aftercare initiatives is essential, with a focus on expanding community-based mental health services, reintegration programs, and livelihood support. These efforts can be implemented through collaborative partnerships with TESDA, DOLE, and other local stakeholders. A comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategy is crucial, with an estimated budget of ₱1,500,000 allocated for aftercare services, training, community outreach, and overall program management. Of this, ₱200,000 should be dedicated to counseling, peer mentorship, and mobile rehabilitation services to improve accessibility and continuity of care. An additional ₱500,000 is recommended for vocational training and entrepreneurship development to foster financial stability and reduce the risk of relapse. Furthermore, collaboration with academic institutions and active involvement of researchers and future scholars are encouraged to support ongoing research, policy refinement, and continuous program development.