LESSON 4

DRUG EDUCATION
I. OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this module the students are expected to:

1. Acquire insights and understanding of the provisions of Republic

Act (R.A) No. 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and other related
issuances/bulletins.

2. Gain knowledge on the nature of drugs, with focus on the different

dangerous drugs, and the adverse effects of drug abuse to the
individual.

3. Be aware of the national drug situation in terms of law enforcement

of all the provisions on dangerous drugs and/or precursors and
essential chemicals as provided in R.A. No.9165;

4. Be oriented and develop a sense of involvement on the role of the

youth on drug detection and prevention.

II. ALLOTED TIME : 3 hours

III. METHODOLOGY : Lecture/Group Discussion/Film Showing/Role

Playing

IV. SUGGESTED ACTIVITY :

A. Film Viewing : Any film review on drug

education highlighting the menace of the use of
dangerous drugs on the youth and the country
as a whole.

B. Group Discussions and Reaction/Reflection on

the film

1. Divide the students into groups with a maximum of 10

members.

2. Students to designate group leader and secretary to facilitate

and document the group discussion.
 3. The analysis/reflection of the members shall be summarized
and the group leader to report the group’s output.

C. Role Playing

V. CONTENT

A. INTRODUCTION

B. D

C.

D.

MARIJUANA
Marijuana is the term used to describe all the plant material like leaves,
tops, stems, flowers and roots from a cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa),
dried and prepared for smoking or taken orally as “brownies”.

The mind altering component is the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; THC

for short, which is concentrated in the resin.

Smoked cannabis produces a dreamy state of consciousness in which

ideas seem disconnected, unanticipated and free-flowing.  Time, color
and spatial perceptions may be altered.  In general, a feeling of well-being and relaxation is
felt.  Panic reactions have occurred, particularly in naïve users.

Increased heart rate, conjuctival injection (red eye) and dry mouth occur regularly. 
Communicative and motor abilities are decreased, depth perception and tracking are impaired
and sense of timing is altered – all hazardous in certain situations (e.g. driving, operating heavy
equipment).
 Adverse Effects
Impairment of memory and short-term cognitive functioning particularly mathematical

skills, reading and verbal comprehensive skills.
 Impairment of motor skills can lead to accidents, respiratory problems such as bronchitis
or lung cancer
 Premature babies/low birth weight, abortion or still birth (neonatal death)
 Panic or state of anxiety, sometimes accompanied with paranoia
 A motivational syndrome – regular use of marijuana dulls the mind of the smoker, blunts
enthusiasms and takes away drive
 Burnout – the use can become dull, slow moving, inattentive and unaware of the
surroundings
 Regular pot smokers are specially susceptible to infections
 It reduces sperm production and alters sperm shape and mobility
 It reduces testosterone level so that pre-teenage boys are at increased risk as are adults
with marital fertility –temporary loss of fertility to both sexes.
 Symptoms of mental illness (Psychosis) is exacerbated

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METHAMPHETAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE/SHABU
Methamphetamine HCL, a type of amphetamine is also known as
“poor man’s cocaine”.  Other names are Shabu, Ubas, Siopao, Sha
and Ice.  Shabu is a white, odorless crystal or crystalline powder
with a bitter numbing taste.

Abusers are known to take this drug by ingestion inhalation

(chasing the dragon), sniffing (snorting) or by injection. 
Amphetamines are regularly absorbed orally and are associated
with a rapid onset of action, usually within one hour when taken
orally.  If taken intravenously or through injection, they have an almost immediate effect.

Adverse Effects
 Produces anxiety, tension, irritability, irrational behavior, talkativeness and loss of self
control
 Results in loss of appetite and inability to sleep

 Euphoria, elation
 Can lead to acute psychotic reactions, violent and destructive behavior and recklessness
 that may results in accidents

Physiological Effects
Includes chest pain, irregularity of heart beat, elevated or lowered bloodpressure, evidence of
weight loss, convulsion and death from cardiac arrest.

Long Term Effects

Psychiatric consequence are the major feature of chronic “shabu” abuse and dependency. 
Prolonged use and even a single exposure especially if administered intravenously can lead to
manifestation of a full blown psychosis which is similar to schizophrenia characterized by the
presence of paranoid delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations.  The paranoia may lead to
violent and aggressive behavior.

Some chornic users have difficulty concentrating and remembering things.  Diminished ability
to cope with problems and difficulties in facing reality are common.  Loss of interest in sex,
ambition or motivation may also result.

Chronic snorters may suffer from severe irritation of the nasal passages and at times may even
develop tissue perforation of the nasal septum so that they become prone to frequent nose
bleed.  Renal damage, heart disease and stroke have been documented among chronic abusers.

Injecting shabu from contaminated needles may lead to risk if infections resulting to
inflammation of blood vessels (Endicarditis), blood poisoning (Septicemia) and the most
dreaded disease AIDS, all which can lead to death.

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INHALANTS
Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation of volatile chemical
substance that contain psycho active (mind/mmod altering)
vapors to produce a state of intoxication.  Most inhalants are
common household products including everyday products such
as nail polish remover, glue, gasoline, household cleaners, and
nitrous oxide.  Inhalants also include fluorinated hydrocarbons
found in aerosols such as hairspray, spray paint, and household
cleaners.

Immediate Effects
 Confusion
 Distorted perception of time and distance
 Aggressive behavior/violence
 Hallucinations
 Illusions
  Nausea and vomiting
 Drowsiness and weightless

Delayed Effects
 Loss of memory
 Inability to think

 Muscle cramps and weakness

 Numbness in limbs
 Abdominal pains
 Damage to the central nervous system, kidney, liver and possible bone marrow

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ECSTASY
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or commonly known as
"Ecstasy", "X-TC", "Adam", "Eden Tablet", or by its any other name -
refers to the drug having such chemical composition, including any of
its isomers or derivatives in any form;

"Ecstasy", the other trendy drug, is the term used for a group of
"designer" drugs closely related in chemical form to the amphetamine
family of illicit drugs. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA is
thechemical name for "ecstasy" but it is also known as
X-TC, ADAM or Eden Tablet, the yuppie drug, and the hug drug, among
others. Demand for this drug caused its price to soar up to 2,000 pesos today.

MDMA was first developed as an appetite suppressant in 1914 by the German

company, Merck. In the 1970's, U.S. therapists led by biochemist Alexander
Shulgin used the drug to help patients explore their feelings

Adverse Effects
 Fatigue and perhaps depression after the drug is stopped,
 Restlessness, anxiety and pronounced visual and auditory hallucinations at large doses,
 Nausea and Vomiting,
 A rise in blood pressure and heart rate, death from heart failure or stroke.
 Prolonged regular use can lead to the same long-term effects as with synthetic stimulants,
including a potential for neurotoxicity and brain damage as well as liver damage

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 OPIATES/NARCOTICS
Opiates, sometimes called narcotics, are a group of drugs that are used
medically to relieve pain, but have a high potential for abuse. Some
opiates come from a resin taken from the seedpod of the Asian poppy.
Opiates that are commonly abused are Opium, Morphine, Codeine, and
synthesized or manufactured opiates.

Opium - refers to the coagulated juice of the opium poppy (Papaver

Somniferum L.) and embraces every kind, class and character of opium,
whether crude or prepared; the ashes or refuse of the same, narcotic
preparations thereof or therefrom; morphine or any alkaloid of opium; preparations in which
opium, morphine or any alkaloid of opium enters as an ingredient; opium poppy; poppy straw;
and leaves or wrappings of opium leaves, whether prepared for use or not;

Opium Poppy - refers to any part of the plant of the species Papaver somniferum L., Papaver
setigerum DC, Papaver orientale, Papaver bracteatum and Papaver rhoeas, which includes the
seeds, straws, branches, leaves or any part thereof, or substances derived thereform, even for
floral, decorative and culinary purposes.

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BANGKOK PILLS
One of the latest drugs out in the market today is the infamous
Bangkok pills. These pills are not registered with the Bureau of
Food and Drugs, which is why they are not legally allowed to be
placed on the local market, because of the unsafe combination
of substances in the product.

The pill has been found to contain ephedrine, bisacodyl,

furosemide, phentermine, and fenfluramine.

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COCAINE
Cocaine is a drug from the leaves of the Cocao plant, a shrub that
originated in South America. This drug affects the central nervous
system as a stimulant.

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 SEDATIVES
Sedative-hypnotics such as tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and sedatives
are drugs, which depress or slow down body functions. These drugs ca
be dangerous when not taken according to physician's instructions.

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 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 218

Strengthening the support mechanism for the Philippine Drug Enforcement

Agency
WHEREAS, by virtue of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 ( Republic Act (R.A.) No.

9165), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) was created for the efficient and effective

law enforcement of all the provisions on dangerous drugs and/or precursors and essential chemicals

as provided in R.A. No.9165;

 
WHEREAS, pursuant to R.A. No. 9165, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) is the policy-making and

strategy-formulating body in the planning and formulation of policies and programs on drug

prevention and control.

WHEREAS, R.A. No. 9165 provides for the abolition of the drug enforcement units of the Philippines

National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Customs;

WHEREAS, the same Act also provides that the personnel of the abolished units shall continue to

perform their task as detail service with the PDEA until such time that the PDEA is fully operational

and is able to recruit a sufficient number of new personnel to do the task themselves;

WHEREAS, the PDEA, as the lead agency tasked to enforce R.A. No.9165, is still in its transition

period and still has to develop its institutional capabilities to be able to accomplishment its

mandated task;

WHEREAS, other agencies of the Government have trained drug enforcement personnel who can

help PDEA fulfill its tasks;

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to pursue a forcefull, intensive and unrelenting campaign

against drug trafficking and the use of illegal drugs whether syndicated or street-level.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by

virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order and/or authorize:

SECTION 1. Creation of Task Forces

The Office of the President, the PNP and other agencies which were performing drug law

enforcement and prevention functions prior to the enactment of R.A. No. 9165 shall organize anti-

drug task force to support the PDEA.

SECTION 2. Supervision and Support

The PDEA shall exercise operational supervision and provide technical support to the main task

force created by the PNP. In the case of other task forces, created within the PNP or other agencies,

the President of the Philippines shall determine whether DDB or the PDEA shall exercise operational

supervision.

SECTION 3. Funding
 Funds for the operation of the task forces shall be sourced from the mother agencies creating the

task force and from the gross receipts of lotto operations. For this purpose, the Philippine Charity

Sweeptakes Office is hereby ordered to create a standby fund in the amount of One Billion Pesos

(P1,000,000,000.00) to fund the operations of the PDEA and the task forces supporting it.

SECTION 4. Repeal

Executive Order No.206 dated May 15,2003 is hereby repealed. All orders, rules, regulations and

issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or

modified accordingly.

SECTION 5. Effectivity

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon approval.

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WHAT ARE DANGEROUS DRUGS ?
Dangerous drugs include those listed in the Schedules annexed to the 1961 Single Convention on

Narcotic Drugs, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, and in the Schedules annexed to the 1971 Single

Convention on Psychotropic Substances as enumerated in the attached annex of RA9165.

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WHAT ARE THE CHEMICALS CONTROLLED UNDER RA 9165?
The controlled chemicals are the following:
TABLE I+ Table II+
ACETIC ANHYDRIDE ACETONE
N-ACETYLANTHRANILIC ACID ANTHRANILIC ACID
ERGOMETRINE ETHYL ETHER
ERGOTAMINE HYDROCHLORIC ACID
ISOSAFROLE METHYL ETHYL KETONE
LYSERGIC ACID PHENYL ACETIC ACID
3,4-METHYLENEDIOXYPHENYL-2 PIPERIDINE
PROPANONE
NOREPHEDRINE SULFURIC ACID
1-PHENYL-2-PROPANONE TOLUENE
PIPERONAL ** THIONYL CHLORIDE
 POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE
SAFROLE
* PSEUDOEPHERDINE

* EPHEDRINE

 
* RECLASSIFIED AS DANGEROUS DRUGS PURSUANT TO B.R. NO. 4, S. 2005
** CLASSIFIED UNDER TABLE II PURSUANT TO B.R. NO. 5,S. 2005
+ THE SALTS OF THE SUBSTANCES LISTED IN THIS TABLE WHENEVER THE EXISTENCE OF SUCH SALTS IS POSSIBLE.
++ THE SALTS OF THE SUBSTANCES LISTED IN THIS TABLE WHENEVER THE EXISTENCE OF SUCH SALTS IS
POSSIBLE.THE SALTS OF HYDROCHLORIC ACID AND SULFURIC ACID ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED.

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WHAT ARE THE LICENSES ISSUED AT THE COMPLIANCE SERVICE, PDEA, AND
THE SCOPE OF COVERAGE OF EACH LICENSE WITH THE CORRESPONDING
FEES?
The following are the dangerous drugs, dangerous drugs preparation/s, Table I controlled

chemical/s used in the manufacture of drug preparation/s &/or their preparation/s categorized as S-

LICENSE/S and the precursors and essential chemical/s or controlled chemical/s &/or mixture/s

categorized as P-LICENSE/S that are issued at said Service:

 
1. For handlers of dangerous drug/s(DD) , dangerous drugs preparation/s(DDP/s), Table I
Controlled Chemical/s used in the manufacture of drug preparation/s &/or their
preparation/s (DP/s):
Annua
Category l Fee
(PhP)
S-1 Retail of DP/s containing Table I Controlled Chemical/s 500.00
S-3 Retail of DD/DDP/s & /or DP/s containing Table I Controlled Chemical/s 1,000.00
S-4 Wholesale/Distribution of DD/DDP/s/Table 1 Controlled Chemical/s used in the 3,000.00
manufacture of drug preparation/s/ &/or their preparation/s
S-5 C Compounding/Manufacture of DD/ DDPs &/or D P/s containing Table I 5,000.00
Controlled Chemical/s
S-5I Importation of DD/DDP/s /Table I Controlled Chemical/s used in the 5,000.00
manufacture of drug preparation/s &/or their preparation/s
S-5E Exportation of DDP/s &/or D P/s containing Table I Controlled Chemical/s 5,000.00
S-5D Depot/Storage for S-4 & S-5 license holder (When such address is separate and 5,000.00
distinct from the office address of the license holder)
S-6 License to conduct laboratory analysis or technical research using DD/DDPs 500.00
&/or DP/s
 2.For handlers of Precursors and Essential Chemical/s or Controlled Chemical/s &/ or
mixture/s (PECS)
Annua
Category l Fee
(PhP)
P-1 Retail of Precursor & Essential Chemicals ( PECS) &/or mixture/s 500.00
P-3 End-Use of PECS &/or mixture/s 2,500.00
P-4 Wholesale/Distribution/Trading of PECS&/or mixture/s 3,000.00
P-5- Compounding/Manufacture/Repack/Recycling of PECS &/or mixture/s 5,000.00
C
P-5- Bulk Depot/Storage for P4 & P5-Holders ( Such location is deemed separate& 3,000.00
D distinct from the office address of the license holder)
P-5- Exportation of PECS &/or mixture/s 5,000.00
E
P-5-I Importation of PECS &/or mixture/s 5,000.00
P-5- Importation of PECS to End-Use 5,000.00
IM
P-6 License to conduct laboratory analysis or technical research using PECS 500.00

3. For Practitioners (Physician, Dentist, Veterinarian)

Category Annual
Fee
(PhP)
S-2 License to prescribe DD/DDPs, &/or DP/s containing Table I Controlled
Chemical/s
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PHILIPPINE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

For thirty years, Republic Act 6425, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972,

had been the backbone of the Philippine drug law enforcement system. Despite the efforts of

various law enforcement agencies mandated to implement the law, the drug problem alarmingly

escalated. The high profitability of the illegal drug trade, compounded by the then existing laws that

imposed relatively light penalties to offenders, greatly contributed to the gravity of the problem.

Recognizing the need to further strengthen existing laws governing Philippine drug law enforcement

system, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act 9165, or

the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, on June 7,2002 and it took effect onJuly

4, 2002. R.A. 9165 defines more concrete courses of action for the national anti-drug campaign

and imposes heavier penalties to offenders.

 
The enactment of RA 9165 reorganized the Philippine drug law enforcement system. While
the Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) remains as the policy-making body, it created the
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency(PDEA) under the Office of the President. The new law
also abolished the National Drug Law Enforcement and Prevention Coordinating Center,
Philippine National Police Narcotics Group (PNP Nargrp), National Bureau of Investigation
Narcotics Unit (NBI NU), and the Customs Narcotics Interdiction Office (CNIO). Personnelk
of these abolished agencies were to continue to perform their tasks on detail service with the
PDEA subject to a rigid screenting process.

VISION
MISSION
We are committed to be a professional,
effective and well-respected agency working To implement the new anti-drug law; to serve
for a drug-free Philippines. as the implementing arm of the Dangerous
  Drug Board; to exercise operational
  supervision over drug enforcement units of
  other law enforcement agencies, and to
  coordinate the participation of other sectors in
  the national anti-drug campaign.
 
POWERS AND DUTIES

 To cause the efficient and effective implementation of the national drug control strategy

formulated by the Dangerous Drugs Board;

 Undertake the enforcement of the provisions of Article II of RA 9165 relative to the unlawful

acts and penalties involving any dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursor and essential

chemicals;

 Administer oath and issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum relative to the conduct of

investigation involving the violations of RA 9165;

 Arrest and apprehend as well as search all violators and seize or confiscate the effects or

proceeds of the crimes as provided by law;

 Take charge and have custody of all dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and

essential chemicals seized, confiscated or surrendered to any national, provincial or local law

enforcement agency;

 Establish a forensic laboratory in each PNP office in every province and city in order to

facilitate action on seized or confiscated drugs, thereby hastening their destruction without

delay;

 Recommend to the DOJ the forfeiture of properties and other assets of persons and/or

corporations found to be violating the provisions of RA 9165 and in accordance with the

pertinent provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001;

 Prepare for prosecution or cause the filing of appropriate criminal and civil cases for violation

of all laws n dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals, and other similar

controlled substances;

 Monitor, and if warranted by circumstances, in coordination with the Philippine Postal Office

and the Bureau of Customs, inspect all air cargo packages, parcels and mails in the central

post office;

 Conduct eradication programs to destroy wild or illegally grown plants from which dangerous

drugs may be extracted;

  Initiate and undertake the formation of a nationwide organization which shall coordinate and

supervise all activities against drug abuse in every province, city, municipality and barangay;

 Establish and maintain a national drug intelligence system in cooperation with law

enforcement agencies, other government agencies/offices and local government units that will

assist in the apprehension of big-time drug lords;

 Establish and maintain close coordination, operation and linkages with international drug

control and administration agencies and organizations;

 Create and maintain an efficient special enforcement unit to conduct an investigation, file

charges and transmit evidence to the proper court;

 Require all government and private hospitals, clinics, doctors, dentists and other practitioners

to submit a report to it;

 Coordinate with the DDB for the facilitation of the issuance of necessary guidelines, rules and

regulations for the proper implementation of RA 9165;

 Initiate and undertake a national campaign for drug prevention and control programs, where it

may enlist the assistance of any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the

government, including government-owned and/or -controlled corporations; and

 Submit annual and periodic reports to the DDB from time to time and perform such other

functions as may be authorized of required under existing laws and as directed by the

President.

Drug Abuse Prevention Among the Youth:

The Philippine Mental Health Association Experience

by

Cornelio G. Banaag, Jr., M.D. and Regina G. de Jesus

In line with the major concern for the proliferating drug abuse problem, the Youth Life Enrichment
Program (YLEP) was revised in 2001 to include a specific module on drug abuse prevention, namely “Life
Skills Enhancement on Drug Abuse Prevention and Education.”
By the turn of the 21st century, substance abuse has taken an alarming proportion in the

country. “Shabu” (the local name for methamphetamine) has become the number one

drug of abuse, followed by marijuana and inhalants. The abuse of legal substances like

nicotine and alcohol continued to be worrisome. A survey by the University of the

Philippines Population Institute in 1996 showed the initial age of use of nicotine, alcohol,

and drugs to be age 16-17, that 40% of males surveyed were smoking, and 37 % of the

youth regularly used alcohol. At present, more than 1.5 million Filipinos are users of illegal

drugs. The youth are especially hard hit. They are the greatest number of drug users.

Among them are more than 350,000 identified high school students in the country. One

can only speculate on the number of young people abusing drugs not identified. With a

new and specific module on drug abuse prevention, the PMHA trained its staff in

collaboration with the Dangerous Drugs Board of the Philippines through seminars and

workshops on “Enhancing Life Skills in Preventive Education.” The workshop adopted the
www.mentorfoundation.org 4

experimental approach which is activity oriented. All activities were geared towards the

development and enhancement of different skills: communication, decision-making,

assertion, building self-esteem and facilitation skills, and group dynamics skills.

Specifically, these activities were aimed to produce the following effects on young

people:

• lessen violent behavior

• increase pro-social behavior and decrease negative, self-destructive

behavior

• increase the ability to plan ahead and choose effective solutions to problems

• improve self-image and self-awareness

• improve social and emotional adjustment

• improve handling of interpersonal problems and coping with anxiety

• improve constructive conflict resolution with peers

• improve self-control

The staff of the PMHA facilitated the training of the members of the school on these life

skills during the regular monthly meetings of the mental health clubs. To assess the impact

of the program, a preliminary survey was done in 2003 using a questionnaire given to 100

LINK Club members. Some questions in the questionnaire were:

• “Have you experienced using prohibited drugs? If yes, how did you learn

about it?”

• “What kind of prohibited drugs do you use?”

• “Is there a member of the family who used to or is still using drugs?”

• “What have you done about it?”www.mentorfoundation.org 5

The result of the survey indicated negative use of prohibited and dangerous substances

among those in the survey; an increase in awareness of the different types of dangerous

substances available in their communities; the adverse effects of these substances; and

an increased ability to identify users of dangerous substances among their peers. In

many instances, members of the mental health clubs have effected appropriate referrals

of substance-abusing peers to proper agencies, like PMHA, for help. At present, there are

56 active mental health clubs (LINK Clubs) in the high schools of Manila and Quezon City

with about 16,000 members. There are also 38 LINK Clubs in the nine chapters of PMHA in

the different parts of the country with about 8,950 members.

Early in 2004, the Dangerous Drugs Board launched the program “Barkada Kontra Droga

(or “Peers Against Drugs”).” The specific thrust of this program is drug abuse prevention.

This concept tries to change the meaning of the word “barkada” or “peer” which

connotes a negative influence among peers. Each member of the ““Barkada Kontra
Droga “ pledges to keep his community and family safe and secure from the evils of

illegal drugs. Further, he is asked to commit to convince friends and relatives to join the

fight against drugs and trafficking, never to use drugs, and to report clandestine

laboratories, pushers and users. The PMHA, as an active partner of the Dangerous Drugs

Board Inter-Agency Committee on Drug Abuse Prevention Education, has started to

implement the organization of “Barkada Kontra Droga” in its member schools. Lectures

on drug abuse concerns have already been given to about 90 mental health club
www.mentorfoundation.org 7

members in Culiat High School and approximately 200 from Francisco High School, both

public high schools ion Quezon City. Three hundred (300) mental health club members at

the Abad Santos High School in Manila were also given a lecture on the topic on “Yosi

Iwasan Para sa Malusog na Katawan at Isipan” (Avoid Cigarette Smoking for a Healthy

Physical and Mental Health). This newly launched program is met with much anticipation

by the PMHA staff and the schools they work with.

In the year 2000, the YLEP was implemented in the college level through the

psychological societies of the different colleges and universities in Metro Manila. The

Psychological Societies Association on Mental Health (PSAMH) was then organized by

the PMHA. Twenty- nine colleges and universities with membership of about 21,600 were

registered as members. PSAMH members work in partnership with PMHA in promoting

sound mental health among the Filipino youth.

The PMHA is not only committed to provide education and advocacy activities on drug

abuse prevention among the youth. It also aims to start the advocacy in its own

backyard. Its staffs are now active members of the “Barkada Kontra Droga.” This is still a

young initiative but the PMHA is committed to pursue this with vigor. In a year’s time, the

PMHA hopes to assess the impact of this program. This is the Association’s contribution to

the country’s quest for Drug Free Philippines in 2010. www.mentorfoundation.org 8

About the Authors:

Cornelio G. Banaag, Jr., M.D. is professor emeritus of the University of the Philippines and

immediate past Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Medicine at

the Philippine General Hospital - University of the Philippines, Manila. He is also member of

The Mentor Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Network and part of the Board of Trustees of

the Philippine Mental Health Association.

Regina G. de Jesus is national executive director of the Philippine Mental Health

Association.