The Philippines will host the 18th ASEAN Drug Monitoring Network (ADMN) meeting from April 8 to 10, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) said.
In a statement, the DDB pointed out that the annual conference brings together the national focal points from the ASEAN member states which strengthen the regional mechanisms in monitoring drug trends and crafting responsive interventions.
“This year marks the first ADMN appearance of DDB chairperson Oscar Valenzuela, who will open the event with a statement of support for regional solidarity in addressing illicit drug concerns,’’ the DDB said.
Leading the working sessions is DDB permanent member Undersecretary Armando Ramolete, who will guide the exchange of updates and insights across ASEAN.
The DDB asserted that the country’s participation in the ASEAN meet underscores a continuing commitment to international cooperation, rooted in evidence-based policymaking and proactive sharing of national experiences.
Earlier, the DDB and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) discussed the proposed amendments regarding “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002’’ amid the increasing complexity in the country’s drug-related issues.
The DDB explained that the discussion with the PDEA was borne of the need for a more effective and responsive legal framework with the country’s illegal drug campaign under President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr’s. administration.
Further, the DDB noted that the discussions focused on strengthening the PDEA’s roles and responsibilities, refining key legal definitions and streamlining processes to align with a more human rights-based approach to drug enforcement and treatment and rehabilitation.
“These updates aim to reinforce policies and approach to drug prevention and control, ensuring a responsive and effective strategy in addressing emerging challenges,’’ the DDB said.
The DDB noted that it has always backed the administration’s compassionate and sympathetic approach in the treatment and rehabilitation of Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs).
DDB Undersecretary Armando Ramolete highlighted the compassionate treatment and rehabilitation scheme of the PWUDs during the board’s consultation with the Department of Health-Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (DOH-TRC) nationwide.
He also assured of the DDB’s commitment in strengthening the holistic services, strategies and programs through the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS).
The inter-agency collaboration with the DOH-TRCs aims to reinforce the country's rehabilitation agenda and improve the effectiveness, accessibility, and sustainability of intervention programs for PWUDs.
Valenzuela also discussed the country’s priorities in enhancing the treatment and rehabilitation agenda of the government during the inter-agency collaborative consultation.
In the said activity, Valenzuela emphasized the crucial role of healthcare frontliners in the recovery journey of the PWUDs.
Valenzuela also asserted the need for the comprehensive and responsive policies that align with both national and international frameworks, ensuring that treatment and rehabilitation remain at the core of effective and sustainable drug intervention efforts.