DDB plans to revive drug abuse education for elementary students

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) is planning to revive the drug abuse education program for elementary students to discourage or prevent them from using illegal drugs.

DDB chairman Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the resumption of the old program would also enable police officers to discuss with fifth and sixth graders the dangers and problems involving abuse and trade of illegal drugs.

Sotto noted that such program would be “a big help in our campaign against dangerous drugs as it will build closer links between our police and the youth.”

“I already discussed this with (Philippine National Police chief) Director General Jesus Verzosa and he is very amenable to the program,” he said.

The DDB chief said apart from the drug abuse education program, he also wants to develop sports and livelihood alternative programs for drug violators next year.

“I heard that the sericulture livelihood program has been successful in Pampanga and Benguet so we want to develop this in Cebu and Bukidnon. These pushers could produce silk and earn, instead of selling illegal drugs.”

But Sotto admitted that the DDB would need the help of Congress to be able to successfully carry out its plans next year.

During budget deliberations at the Senate last Monday, he sought some P180 million for 2009.

Of the proposed budget, P101 million will come from appropriations by Congress, while P77 million will come from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the law enforcement arm of DDB, is seeking a separate P638-million budget for its operations next year.             – Edu Punay