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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos rallies Filipinos to fight illegal drugs

Marcos rallies Filipinos to fight illegal drugs

Published Sep 28, 2023 08:47 am

President Marcos has called on Filipinos to be part of the fight against illegal drugs, urging them to report drug-related activities and support rehabilitation efforts.

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President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Photo courtesy of Malacañang)

While rehabilitation continues to be the government's priority in the fight against illegal drugs, Marcos said a whole-of-nation approach is needed in order to "seriously curb the proliferation of illegal drugs."

"I call on every Filipino to be part of our fight against illegal drugs. Be vigilant, report drug-related activities, and support rehabilitation efforts," Marcos said in his message delivered by Health Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama Jr. on Thursday, Sept. 28.

Marcos' message was delivered during the fourth anniversary celebration of the Department of Health (DOH)-Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Agusan del Sur.

The President underscored that drug dependence "is a serious mental health condition" that if untreated, becomes a growing social problem and a significant public health issue.

He recognized that the lack of access to treatment for substance abuse results in chronic illnesses and other adverse social effects in the community. Thus, he is pushing for a whole-of-nation approach to address the country's lingering drug problem.

He said this includes prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and law enforcement.

The Chief Executive further said that this also entails the cooperation of government and private sector through early intervention and education in schools, awareness campaigns, and community-based solutions and initiatives.

"In our pursuit of helping individuals rebuild their lives, we need a supportive environment, like what we have here, to facilitate our patients’ transformation," Marcos said.

"Thus, we will continue to empower individuals to regain control over their lives and find a renewed sense of purpose to guide them on their path towards strength," he added.

He cited that the four-year old facility in Agusan del Sur shows that "rehabilitation continues to be a vital component of our holistic plan."

"Amidst the harsh realities of drug abuse, this treatment center remains a sanctuary, where individuals can find healing, compassion, and recovery," he said.

Since he assumed the presidency, Marcos declared that the fight against illegal drugs in the country under his term will continue but through a "new face" focusing on community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration.

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