DOLE strengthens reintegration support for drug reformists under anti-drug campaign

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ramped up its efforts in supporting the government’s anti-drug campaign by providing livelihood, employment, and skills training assistance to Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) as part of their reintegration into society.
This initiative was further strengthened following a courtesy visit by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) officials to the DOLE Regional Office No. 1 in preparation for the upcoming Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs Coordinating Group (RICAD 1) meeting.
PDEA representatives—Lawyer Patricia Rimando, Lawyer Jemyma Dickson, and Regional Public Information and Information Officer (RPIIO) Mariepe de Guzman—formally invited DOLE to participate in the coordination meeting, which aims to align government efforts under the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) to advance rehabilitation and reintegration programs for drug reformists.
DOLE Assistant Regional Director Honorina Dian-Baga, who welcomed the PDEA delegation on behalf of Regional Director Exequiel Ronie A. Guzman, was joined by division chiefs Teresa Bonvente and Ronaldo De Vera.
They emphasized the department’s commitment to providing sustainable support for individuals in recovery.
“Our mandate goes beyond employment—we are here to uplift lives and offer second chances through decent and dignified work,” DOLE stated, highlighting that economic empowerment is critical to a successful reintegration process.
Key programs offered to PWUDs include the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), which provides starter kits for small enterprises, and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), which offers temporary wage employment to help beneficiaries regain stability.
RICAD 1 serves as a platform for collaboration among law enforcement, health, social welfare, and labor agencies to develop localized, community-based reintegration models focused on long-term recovery and inclusive support.
By maintaining its collaboration with PDEA and other agencies, DOLE reaffirmed its commitment to a whole-of-government approach in building a drug-free Philippines, where reformed individuals are empowered to contribute meaningfully to national development.