The Department of Education (DepEd) – Schools Division of Iloilo is partnering with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify its anti-drug campaign in public schools across the province. This collaboration will be formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at combating drug use and involvement among students.
The initiative is part of the vision of Schools Division Superintendent Ernesto Servillon Jr., who advocates for a strict zero-tolerance policy toward illegal drugs within educational institutions. The move comes in the wake of a recent incident where a sachet of suspected shabu was recovered from a 16-year-old student in Janiuay town, raising alarm about student exposure to illegal drugs.
During a recent meeting, representatives from DepEd-Iloilo, PDEA-Region 6, and the PNP discussed key strategies for implementing drug prevention programs across schools. These programs will target both students and educators to raise awareness and prevent drug-related activities.
One of the central components of the agreement is the 'training of trainers' program, which will be conducted by PDEA. Selected teachers and school heads will undergo specialized training to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to educate their peers and students on drug prevention.
Superintendent Servillon explained the significance of the training, saying, “By empowering our educators, we can ensure that drug prevention information is effectively disseminated across schools. This will promote a unified stance against drug use within our educational environments”.
Additionally, the PNP will integrate a specially designed module into the Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) subject for students from Grade 7 to Grade 10. This module will cover topics such as drug prevention strategies and the harmful effects of drug use on health.
DepEd-Iloilo will play a crucial role in organizing the training sessions and ensuring the smooth integration of the PNP’s module into the existing curriculum. The full implementation is scheduled to begin in October following the signing of the MOA.
“We recognize the urgency of this initiative, and that’s why we aim to start in October”, said Servillon, who has tasked the Division Drug Watch Committee with overseeing the training schedule.
In addition to educational initiatives, Servillon stressed the importance of conducting law enforcement activities, such as buy-bust operations, outside school premises. This approach is intended to protect students’ mental well-being and minimize disruptions to their education.
Since September 27, 2023, DepEd has ramped up its anti-drug efforts under the 'Bwas Damlag Amligan, Droga Likawan' program, which aims to enhance the National Drug Education Program. The program includes the 'Barkada Kontra Droga' project, which engages students in activities designed to deter them from drug involvement.
Servillon has also established Drug Watch Committees in all secondary schools to monitor drug-related activities and collaborate with agencies like the PNP and PDEA, ensuring a safe, drug-free environment for learners.
