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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PDEA opens public drug assistance desks nationwide

PDEA opens public drug assistance desks nationwide

Published Oct 16, 2025 12:45 pm  |  Updated Oct 16, 2025 04:21 pm
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has put up public assistance desks in its national and regional offices nationwide to provide immediate support, guidance and intervention to those seeking help for illegal drug-related woes.
Through the initiative, PDEA said it showed its strong commitment to bring its services closer to the people, promote transparency and cooperation, and strengthen the nation’s collective effort toward a drug-free, safe, and united Bagong Pilipinas.
The PDEA noted that from Jan. to Sept. 2025, a total of 555 persons and their families were provided assistance through the PDEA’s Public Assistance Center and Regional Public Assistance Desk Officers (RPADOs) nationwide.
Further, the PDEA stressed that the “milestone’’ underscores the agency’s commitment to a compassionate and community-based approach to drug rehabilitation.
In line with the institutionalization of the Regional Public Assistance Desks (RPADs) pursuant to PDEA Memorandum Circular No. 2023-042, the agency has designated 192 RPAD Officers (RPADOs) nationwide, with 161 officially deputized as Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Authorized Representatives. 
These RPADOs are tasked with assisting individuals and families in accessing appropriate drug treatment, rehabilitation, and other intervention programs anchored on PDEA’s “No Wrong Door Policy”, which ensures that all who seek help are guided toward the right support and services. 
Among the 555 Public Assistance assisted during the period from Jan. to Sept. 2025 are 61 admitted to Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (TRCs), 26 referred to Balay Silangan Reformation Centers, 154 joined Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Programs (CBDRPs)
and 314 received assistance for inquiries, documentation, and referral processes.
The PDEA PDEA Regional Offices IX, VII, and X recorded the highest number of assisted individuals, reflecting the strong coordination between agency’s regional offices, local government units (LGUs), and partner agencies in implementing responsive rehabilitation programs across the country. 
“The establishment of RPADs forms part of PDEA’s efforts to strengthen its Human Rights-Based Approach to Drug Policy, consistent with the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.5, which seeks to strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug dependence,’’ the PDEA explained. 
Under the initiative, the PDEA clarified that it seeks to eliminate stigma against drug users and reinforce the principle of second chances. 
By ensuring that every person who seeks rehabilitation is received with understanding and guidance, PDEA reaffirmed that rehabilitation and recovery are integral components of effective drug control. 
“Each number in this report represents not just a statistic, but a life that has been given the chance to change. Through our PDEA Public Assistance Center and Regional Public Assistance Desks, we are providing hope and the opportunity for every individual and family affected by drugs to start anew,” PDEA Director General Isagani R. Nerez said.
From Jan. 2024 to July 2025, the PDEA indicated that of the 307 assisted PWUDs, 94 percent were male (290) and six percent were female (17). 
The PDEA established that the findings highlight the greater prevalence of substance use among men and the pressing need to address its broader social impacts. 
“Research points to socioeconomic pressures, mental health struggles, unemployment, and cultural norms as contributing factors to higher rates of drug involvement among men,’’ the PDEA noted.
However, the agency emphasized that substance abuse has far-reaching effects, especially on women and children within drug-affected households. 
Nerez asserted that the data underscores the importance of gender-responsive policies that protect, support, and empower women and families in drug-impacted communities. 
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