Drug Education

I. CONTEXT

The misuse and carrying of illegal drugs is very rampant in the Philippines. A number of Filipinos tend
to get involved in different illegal transactions of drugs in and outside the country. The youth are not
exempted on such unlawful act as some of the drug users and/or pushers are minors. Minors who
were influenced by media and/or misled by the people whom they know are involved in illegal drugs.
Hence it is important to educate the youth to gain and clarify information about drugs and to assist
them to develop skills required for immediate and future decision-making.

The enactment, then, of RA 9165 “aims to safeguard the integrity of territory and the well-being of its
citizenry particularly the youth, from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs on their physical and
mental well-being, and to defend the youth against acts or omissions detrimental to their development
and preservation.”

II. OBJECTIVES
At the end of the session the students are able to:

1. Explain the provisions of RA 9165.

2. Describe the ill-effects of drugs use
3. Apply web-chart analysis tool to the issue on drug addiction
4. make wise decisions against drug use;
5. undertake their roles in leading drug education campaigns

III. ACTIVITY 1: Issue Analysis (suggested activity)

1. The class facilitator will introduce the workshop by giving the following definitions:
a. Issue
- arises because of conflicting views
- local in scope
- something specific
- felt by the local people (e.g. sand and gravel quarrying, traffic)
b. Problem
- broader in scope (e.g. poverty, graft and corruption, quality of education)
c. Cause
- a reason or motive for producing for producing a given effect

2. The class will then group themselves into their respective teams.
3. Each team will do a web chart of Drug Addiction. They will illustrate this on a ½ size Manila
Paper.

WEBCHART – is used to trace the causes and effects of problems. An issue is presented to
be like an inverted pyramid in structure with pillars supporting it. Once, pinpointed, courses of
action on how to win over the different persons, pillars supporting an issue, can be planned.
The pillars must be removed or weakened sufficiently so as to topple down the pyramid-
issue.

C1 C1 C2

C2 ISSUE

C1

C2
C1 – the immediate cause of the issue
C2 – the cause C1
An arm ends when they reach the root cause (e.g. cause has no more cause) or a cause. Students with
higher level of consciousness may end up with the repressive structures and values as their root causes.

4. Each team will identify the “Pillars of Support” of Drug Addiction and guided by following the
instructions below:
a. Assume that an issue is an inverted pyramid. An issue exists because pillars support it.
b. Identify the pillars of drug addiction. (Pillars are persons or groups of persons that keep the
issue existing)
c. Identify the principles that these pillars uphold, which keep the issue existing (e.g. political
dynasty, power, protection of economic interests, industrialization, economic growth, etc.)

ISSUE

PILLARS OF SUPPORT PILLARS OF SUPPORT

5. A representative from each team will share to the class the results of their team’s discussion.

As each team reports, the class facilitator will take note of the salient points discussed per team
to help in synthesizing the reports. The class facilitator will give a synthesis of the reports and
will give a broader picture on the issue of Drug Addiction through an Input on Drugs, Drug
Situation and Republic Act 9165.
IV. INPUT

Legal and Illegal Drugs

 Legal drugs – prescribed by doctors, common health medications
(Examples: caffeine, alcohol, medication for headaches, colds, and other illnesses)

 Illegal drugs - also include prescription drugs

- any substance used improperly
- used by patients in a manner contrary to their doctor’s instructions
- dangerous drugs bought on the “street”
(Examples: marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy)

Illegal Drug Situationaire: 2013 Statistics on Drugs in Philippines

PROFILE OF DRUG ABUSERS

(Facility Based)*
CY 2013

AGE : Mean age of 30 years

SEX : Ratio of male to female 13:1
CIVIL STATUS : Single 50.52%
STATUS OF EMPLOYMENT : Unemployed 42.74%
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT : College Level 32%
ECONOMIC STATUS : Average Monthly Family Income Php 15,671
PLACE OF RESIDENCE : Urban (Specifically NCR 51.29%)
DURATION OF DRUG - TAKING : More than six (6) years
NATURE OF DRUG - TAKING : Poly drug use**
DRUGS/SUBSTANCES OF ABUSE :
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (Shabu)
Cannabis (Marijuana)
Inhalants (Contact Cement Adhesive)

* Residential and Out-Patient Facilities

** Poly drug users - abuse of more than one (1) drug

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
CY 2013

A total of 3,266 admissions were reported for the year under review. Of this number, 2,618 were first
time admissions, 446 were relapsed cases or re-admitted either in the same or different facility and
202 had sought treatment to an out-patient facility. These cases were based from the reports
submitted by thirty-one (31) residential and one (1) out-patient facilities nationwide.

Around ninety-three percent (92.68%) of the admitted cases were males and seven percent (7.32%)
were females. The ratio of male to female is 10:1.

Of the total admission, both age groups of 30-34 and 40 and above reported at more than nineteen
percent (19.38% and 19.35%) while more than seventeen percent (17.64%) were those in the 25-29
age bracket. The average age is 30 years old.
Half of the admitted cases were single (50.52%), while thirty-three percent (32.61%) were married.
Seventeen percent (16.87%) reported to have live-in partners or separated, widow/er and divorced.

Based on the educational attainment, thirty-two percent (32%) of the center clients comprised those
who have reached college level, followed by those who reached high school with twenty-five percent
(24.56%) and who finished high school at fifteen percent (15.06%).

The average monthly family income among center clients is P 15,671. The lowest monthly income
was reported to be five hundred pesos (P 500).

Of the total admission from various treatment facilities, more than forty percent (42.74%) were
unemployed, twenty-seven percent (26.55%) were workers/employees, seventeen percent (16.78%)
were businessman/self-employed and the rest were OSY and students with almost 14 percent
(13.93%).

As to the area of residence, fifty-one percent (51.29%) were residing in the National Capital Region
(NCR) prior to their admission to rehabilitation. Seventeen percent (16.84%) came from Region IV-A,
followed by Region III with fourteen percent (14.45%).

Sixty-three percent (63.17%) of the clients reported that peers/friends were their primary source of
drugs and thirty-one percent (30.77%) were pushers.

As to drug of use, eighty-three percent (83.50%) reported methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) as

their drugs/substances of abuse, followed by Cannabis (marijuana, brownies, seeds, hashish) with
twenty eight percent (28.02%) and inhalants specifically contact cement adhesive (rugby) with three
percent (3.18%). Other drugs/substances of abuse include solvent, cocaine, benzodiazepines, MDMA
(ecstasy), nalbuphine hydrochloride (nubain), cough/cold preparations and ketamine.

There was an increase in admission from 2012 to 2013 by nineteen percent (19.02%). The reasons to
this increase may be attributed to the following: the anti-drug abuse council of the local government
units has become active in the anti-drug campaign in their localities; drug dependents go for voluntary
confinement because the parents/guardians became supportive of them; rehabilitation programs and
methodology were improved and the awareness of the people have increased on anti-drugs laws
because of proper dissemination of information and the media.

Early Signs of Drug Use

 Irritable, discourteous, aggressive
 unconcerned with good grooming
 lack of interest in studies/work
 prefers to be with her/his barkadas
 unusual borrowing of money and stealing of various items
 nausea, vomiting

Effects of drug use

 develop changes in normal capabilities in school/work
 develop changes in attendance at school/work
 loss of memory, inability to think
 muscle cramps and weakness, numbness on the limbs, abdominal pains
 damage to central nervous systems, kidney, liver and bone marrow
Implications of drug problems
 panic reaction, crimes (rape, suicide)
 physical/physiological damages
 destroys family relationships

Preventive Measures
 Learn to talk to people about your problems (guidance counselors/peer facilitators, formators,
campus ministers, teachers, organization moderators)
 Learn to say “NO” and to ask for help
 Open education on dangerous drugs (films, slides, trips to rehabilitation center)
 Talking/meeting people who were rehabilitated on the use of dangerous drugs
 Formation of Youth Groups
 Involvement in the community/school,
 Adopt a barangay
 Workshops on drug/alcohol prevention
 Sponsor drug free alternative activities (fun runs, sports events)
 Develop a Newsletter that features activities of the youth
 Participate in the National Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week every November and start
your own drug awareness week/month in your school/community
 Write plays and compose songs on drug free living

Input 2: REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9165 (June 7, 2002)

Short Title: Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

State Policy
 to safeguard the integrity of its territory and the well-being of its citizenry particularly the youth,
from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs on their physical and mental well-being,

 to defend them against acts or omissions detrimental to their development and preservation. In
view of the foregoing, the State needs to enhance further the efficacy of the law against
dangerous drugs, it being one of today's more serious social ills.

Kinds of Illegal Drugs

 Cannabis or commonly known as "Marijuana" or "Indian Hemp" or by its any other name –
embraces every kind, class, genus, or specie of the plant Cannabis sativa L. including, but not
limited to, Cannabis americana, hashish, bhang, guaza, churrus and ganjab, and embraces
every kind, class and character of marijuana, whether dried or fresh and flowering, flowering or
fruiting tops, or any part or portion of the plant and seeds thereof, and all its geographic
varieties, whether as a reefer, resin, extract, tincture or in any form whatsoever.

 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or commonly known as "Ecstasy", or by its any

other name – refers to the drug having such chemical composition, including any of its isomers
or derivatives in any form.

 Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or commonly known as "Shabu", "Ice", "Meth", or by its any

other name – refers to the drug having such chemical composition, including any of its isomers
or derivatives in any form.

 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; opium 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 therefrom, even for
floral, decorative and culinary purposes.

Unlawful Acts and Penalties

Who are penalized by the anti-drug law?

1. User
2. Pusher
3. Possessor
4. Cultivator
5. Importer
6. Manufacturer
7. Financier
8. Protector / coddler

Importation of Dangerous Drugs [Section4, Article 11] - by any person, who, unless authorized by law,
shall import or bring into the Philippines any dangerous drug, regardless of the quantity and purity
involved, including any and all species of opium poppy or any part thereof or substances derived
therefrom even for floral, decorative and culinary purposes.
Penalty : Life imprisonment to death
Fine : Php 500,000.00 to P 10M

Importation of Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemical [Section 4, Article 11] – by any person,
who, unless authorized by law, shall import any controlled precursor and essential chemical.
Penalty : 12 years and one day to 20 years
Fine : Php 100,000.00 to 500,000.00

Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution and Transportation of Dangerous

Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals [Section 5, Article 11] - any person, who,
unless authorized by law, shall sell, trade, administer, dispense, deliver, give away to another,
distribute dispatch in transit or transport any dangerous drug, including any and all species of opium
poppy regardless of the quantity and purity involved, or shall act as a broker in any of such
transactions
Penalty : Life imprisonment to death
Fine : Php 500,000.00 to 10M

Maximum Penalty imposed in the following instances:

1. Sale transpired within 100 meters from the school;
2. Use of minors or mentally incapacitated individuals as runners, couriers or messengers
or in any other capacity;
3. Proximate cause of death of a victim who is a minor or mentally incapacitated individual

Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Resort [Section 6, Article 11] - by any person or group of persons who
shall maintain a den, dive or resort where any dangerous drug is used or sold in any form
Penalty : Life imprisonment to death
Fine : Php 500,000.00 to 10M
 Maximum Penalty imposed in the following instances:
1. Allowing minors or mentally incapacitated individuals to use dangerous drugs in such a
place
2. Proximate cause of death of a victim who is a minor or mentally incapacitated individual

Possession of Dangerous Drugs [Section 11, Article 11] – any person, who, unless authorized by law,
shall possess any dangerous drug in the following quantities, regardless of the degree of purity:
10 grams or more of opium
10 grams or more of morphine
10 grams or more of heroin
10 grams or more of cocaine or cocaine hydrochloride
50 grams or more of methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu"
10 grams or more of marijuana resin or marijuana resin oil;
500 grams or more of marijuana
10 grams or more of other dangerous drugs
Penalty : Life imprisonment to death
Fine : Php 500,000.00 to 10M

10 grams or more but less than 50 grams [Shabu]

Penalty : Life imprisonment
Fine : Php 400,000.00 to 500,000.00

5 grams or more but less than 10 grams of opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine or cocaine
hydrochloride, marijuana resin or marijuana resin oil, methamphetamine hydrochloride or
"shabu", or other dangerous drugs
Penalty : 20 years and one day to life imprisonment
Fine : Php 400,000.00 to 500,000.00

Less than 5 grams of opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine or cocaine hydrochloride, marijuana
resin or marijuana resin oil, methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu", or other dangerous
drugs or less than three hundred (300) grams of marijuana.
Penalty : 12 years and one (1) day to twenty 20 years
Fine : Php 300,000.00.00 to 400,000.00

Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and other paraphernalia for dangerous drugs
[Section 12, Article 11] – by any person, who, unless authorized by law, shall possess or have under
his/her control any equipment, instrument, apparatus and other paraphernalia fit or intended for
smoking, consuming, administering, injecting, ingesting, or introducing any dangerous drug into the
body
Penalty : 6 months and one day to 4 years
Fine : Php 10,000.00 to 50,000.00

Use of Dangerous Drugs [Section 15, Article 11] – A person apprehended or arrested, who is found to
be positive for use of any dangerous drug, after a confirmatory test
Penalty
1st Offense : Minimum of 6 months rehabilitation in a government center
2nd Offense : Imprisonment ranging from 6 years and 1 day to 12 years
Fine : P50, 000.00 to P200, 000.00
(not applicable where the person tested is also found to have in his/her
possession such quantity of any dangerous drug provided for under
Section 11 of RA 9165)
Unnecessary Prescription of Dangerous Drugs [Section 18, Article 11] –by a practioner who shall
prescribe any dangerous drug to any person whose physical or physiological condition does not
require the use or in the dosage prescribed therein
Penalty : Imprisonment from 12 years and one 1 day to 20 years / revocation of
his/her license to practice
Fine : Php 100,000.00 to P500, 000.00

Unlawful Prescription of Dangerous Drugs [Section 19, Article 11] – by any person, who, unless
authorized by law, shall make or issue a prescription or any other writing purporting to be a
prescription for any dangerous drug
Penalty : Life imprisonment to death
Fine : Php 500,000.00) to P10M

Participation of the Family, Students, Teachers and School Authorities

Family [Section 41, Article 4] – The family shall be primarily responsible for the education and
awareness of the members of the family on the ill effects of dangerous drugs and close monitoring of
family members who may be susceptible to drug abuse.

Student Councils and Campus Organizations [Section 42, Article 4] – All elementary, secondary and
tertiary schools' student councils and campus organizations shall include in their activities a program
for the prevention of and deterrence in the use of dangerous drugs, and referral for treatment and
rehabilitation of students for drug dependence.

School Curricula [Section 43, Article 4] – Instruction on drug abuse prevention and control shall be
integrated in the elementary, secondary and tertiary curricula of all public and private schools, whether
general, technical, vocational or agro-industrial as well as in non-formal, informal and indigenous
learning systems.

Heads, Supervisors, and Teachers of Schools [Section 44, Article 4] – all school heads, supervisors
and teachers shall be deemed persons in authority and are empowered to apprehend, arrest or cause
the apprehension or arrest of any person who shall violate any of the said provisions

They shall be deemed persons in authority if they are in the school or within its immediate vicinity, or
even beyond such immediate vicinity if they are in attendance at any school or class function in their
official capacity as school heads, supervisors, and teachers.

Any teacher or school employee, who discovers or finds that any person in the school or within its
immediate vicinity is liable for violating any of said provisions, shall have the duty to report the same to
the school head or immediate superior who shall, in turn, report the matter to the proper authorities.
Failure to do so in either case, within a reasonable period from the time of discovery of the violation
shall, after due hearing, constitute sufficient cause for disciplinary action by the school authorities.

Program for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Drug Dependents

Voluntary Submission of a Drug Dependent to Confinement, Treatment and Rehabilitation {Section 54,
Article 8]

1. A drug dependent or any person who use dangerous drugs may, by himself/herself or through
his/her parent, spouse, guardian or relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity,
apply to the DDB or its duly recognized representative, for treatment and rehabilitation of the drug
dependency.
2. DDB shall bring forth the matter to the Court which shall order that the applicant be examined for
drug dependency.
3. If the examination by a DOH-accredited physician results in the issuance of a certification that the
applicant is a drug dependent, he/she shall be ordered by the Court to undergo treatment and
rehabilitation in a Rehabilitation Center designated by DDB for a period of not less than six (6)
months: Provided, That a drug dependent may be placed under the care of a DOH-accredited
physician where there is no Rehabilitation Center near or accessible to the residence of the drug
dependent or where said drug dependent is below eighteen (18) years of age and is a first-time
offender and non-confinement in a Rehabilitation Center will not pose a serious danger to his/her
family or the community.

Dangerous Drugs Board and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency [Section 77, Article 9] – the policy-
making and strategy-formulating body in the planning and formulation of policies and programs on
drug prevention and control. It shall develop and adopt a comprehensive, integrated, unified and
balanced national drug abuse prevention and control strategy. It shall be under the Office of the
President.

Creation of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) [Section 82, Article IX] – To carry out the
provisions of this Act, serves as the implementing arm of the Board, and shall be responsible for the
efficient and effective law enforcement of all the provisions on any dangerous drug and/or controlled
precursor and essential chemical as provided in this Act.

Functions of PDEA
Supply Reduction Demand Reduction
Law Enforcement efforts through anti-drug Anti-drug advocacy complemented by referral for
operations treatment and rehabilitation
 Arrest of drug personalities  Conduct of anti-drug lectures, seminars, for a
 Neutralization of drug groups and other similar activities
 Dismantling of illegal drug facilities  Referral for treatment and rehabilitation of
 Recovery of drug and non-drug evidence drug dependents
 Filing of drug cases in court
 Destruction of dangerous drugs, CPECs and
laboratory equipment confiscated

ACTIVITY 3: Testimonials from Recovering Drug Users (Optional)

Guide questions for the sharing:

1. What pushed you to use illegal drugs?

2. How did using illegal drugs affect your relationship with your family, friends and community,
in general?
3. What were the changes you observe in yourself (physical, emotional, Social, etc) when you
started using illegal drugs?
4. What made you decide to stop using illegal drugs?
5. How is your process of recovery, so far?
IV. REFLECTION/SELF-REVIEW:

1. What are the unlawful acts and penalties of drug use?

2. What are the ill-effects of drug use?
3. Why is it easy for some people to use illegal drugs?
4. How can you help a friend who is already using drugs?
5. How can you help in preventing drug use?

V. SYNTHESIS

VI. ASSIGNMENT

1. Each team will make a research of a song on the prevention of illegal drugs. Secure a copy of
the lyrics and be familiar with the rhythm of the song.
2. Each member will draw one symbol that best describes his/her analysis of the song on a bond
paper.
3. On a ¼ illustration board, the team will make a collage of their individual symbols.
4. At the back of the illustration board, write the lyrics of the song, and the story/description of the
collage.
5. The output should be submitted next meeting.

*Fill-up the Credo on Drug Education found in your team kit.

REFERENCES:
http://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2002/ra_9165_2002.html
Skills for Drug Education in Schools – A Manual for Teachers and Trainers, available free from Mr Tay
Bian How, Director, Drug Advisory Programme, Colombo Plan Secretariat
http://www.ddb.gov.ph/research-statistics/statistics/45-research-and-statistics/212-2013-statistics