The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) in partnership with the Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) of Sta. Rosa, Laguna organized a youth camp that encouraged the youth to shun illegal substance abuse and "be role models among their peers."

Through the Youth Camp Against Drug Abuse program, the DDB stated that youth are enticed to further promote the fight against illegal drugs among the younger generation through activities and discussions that address positive coping strategies for overcoming pressure and hardships.

“To effectively create a proactive and supportive environment that significantly reduces the likelihood of drug abuse among the younger generation, it is important to reinforce the youth with essential knowledge on drug abuse prevention education,’’ the DDB noted.

The DDB added that the program empowered and equipped the 50 young participants with the skills they need to strengthen their tenacity against the use of dangerous drugs. 

To better respond to the needs of the youth sector involved in substance abuse, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also partnered with the DDB in the conduct of the “Design Thinking and Planning Workshop for the Development of the Model Interventions For the Special Drug Education Center" (SDEC) clients.

The workshop gathered key stakeholders and development partners for the formulation of the model of intervention to enhance the existing programs under the Special Drug Education Center.

“SDEC is a community-based facility, serving as a safe venue where out-of-school youth and street children receive education on the ill effects of substance abuse,’’ the DDB explained.

The DDB pointed out that the program aims to enable the affected youth to cope with the challenges of adolescence, particularly their vulnerability to drug and substance abuse by providing training in essential livelihood skills, promoting leadership, facilitating peer counseling and fostering community development.