By Jhon Aldrin Casinas
The Eastern Police District said 1,632 students graduated from the district’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program since its implementation in 2016.
Eastern Police District Office/ FILE PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN
DARE is a 10-week program introduced in various elementary schools in the district that spreads awareness on the effects of drug and alcohol abuse.
EPD Director Chief Supt. Bernabe Balba believes that the program is an “effective alternative tool” for the children to avoid violence, the use of illegal drugs and involvement in gangs.
Balba added that the program was in support of the campaign of President Duterte and Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde.
The program started in 2016 in schools in the cities of Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina and San Juan.
At the present, 1,361 students are still undergoing the program with 14 DARE police officers as teachers.