Implementing Guidelines Governing the Operationalization of the Special Drug Education Centers (Sec. 46 of R.A. No. 9165)

May 30, 2003

DANGEROUS DRUGS BOARD REGULATION NO. 1-03

 

I. Reference:

Section 46, Article IV of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as "The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002" mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and National Youth Commission (NYC) to establish in each of its provincial office a Special Drug Education Center (SDEC) for out of school youth (OSY) and street children. The SDEC shall implement drug abuse prevention programs and activities, with the end in view of educating the OSY and street children regarding the pernicious effects of drug abuse.

II. Rationale

The Medium Term Youth Development Plan defines Out-of-School Children and Youth (OSCY) as 7-30 years old, not enrolled in any formal or vocational school, not formally employed and not a tertiary level graduate. Further, street children are defined as those below 18 years of age who are school drop-outs and who stay in the streets and are involved in different street activities such as vending, scavenging, rugby sniffing, gambling etc.

Children and youth below 25 years of age constitute half of the 80 M total population of the Philippines as of 2001, with about 30 million between the ages of 7 and 25 years old. A significant and growing number are the out of school youth and street children. The World Bank study in 2001 revealed that the largest concentration of out of school children and youth was in the National Capital Region. The largest number of the school age drop out was in the Visayas. In another survey, the Philippine National Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey in 1999 conducted by the NSO/UNICEF estimated that 7.5 million or 30% were out of school children and youth.

The needs of the OSY and street children are complex and diverse. Concerns on drug abuse, STD, HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, and other social issues call for an increased attention to this age group. Specifically, the rising wave of drug abuse across all socio-economic strata is a cause for alarm. A Social Weather Station survey in 1997 claimed that 2.1 million youth population claimed to have ever experienced using illegal drugs; 0.6 million youth have experienced selling illegal drugs and the average age when this was first experienced is 16 yrs. old. It is therefore important to understand the interrelatedness of the concerns of children and youth since oftentimes these concerns have common roots, such as inadequate information, poor life skills, poor access to education, and non-supportive environment, to prevent other children and youth from becoming substance or drug abusers. Hence, there is a dire need to establish SDECs nationwide.

III. Description:

The SDEC is a community-based facility, which serves as a venue in promoting preventive and developmental services for the out of school youth and street children. This aims to enable them to cope with the challenges of adolescence particularly their vulnerability to drug and substance abuse. The preventive and developmental services seek to equip the OSY and street children with the knowledge and life coping skills to prevent drug and substance abuse.

The SDEC may be established either in an existing or new facility in the community, owned by a government, non-government organization, civic, labor or religious organization. As provided for by the law, the Special Drug Education Center for out of school youth and street children shall be established in every province to be headed by a Provincial Social Welfare Officer (PSWDO). The concerned Provincial Government shall establish and maintain the center with the support of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the assistance of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB). The SDEC in the province may serve the OSY and children in the component cities and municipalities within its geographical coverage. However, highly urbanized and non-component cities shall be encouraged to establish their own SDECs to carry out an effective drug education prevention program. The Programs initiated by the center shall likewise be adopted in all Public and Private Orphanage and existing special centers for street children. DaScCH

The operationalization of the SDEC shall be guided by the following principles:

1. Child participation in terms of involving the young people in program designing, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities to ensure that it is acceptable and relevant to them;

2. Protection against abuse and exploitation; and

3. Recognition of diverse characteristics and needs of children and youth.

IV. Objectives:

General: To establish Special Drug Education Center/s which shall promote community-based programs for drug abuse prevention, with the end in view of educating the OSY and street children regarding the pernicious effects of drug abuse, thereby contributing their total development as self-reliant and socially responsible member of the society.

Specific:

1. Develop and implement drug abuse prevention programs such as community information and education activities on the ill effects of drug abuse, literacy programs, skills and livelihood activities, among others, for out-of-school youth, street children and their parents;

2. Develop capacities of OSY/street children and their families such as conduct of life skills, leadership training, peer counseling and values education towards the promotion of a positive lifestyle and a drug free home and community.

3. Advocate for local legislations, policies and programs, as well as generate resources, to support the SDEC;

4. Establish linkages with anti-drug abuse councils, youth-serving agencies, youth organizations and other network to ensure coordinated efforts in the prevention of drug abuse; and

5. Maintain a data bank on out of school youth, street children and young drug dependents.

V. Target Clientele

• Out-of-School youth (OSY) — 15 to 30 years old, not enrolled in any formal or vocational school, not formally employed and not a tertiary level graduate;

• Street children — below 18 years of age, young boys and girls found in urban areas who have adopted the streets as their habitual abode and/or source of livelihood.

VI. Implementing Policies

1. The SDEC shall serve as a venue in the delivery of services/activities in the implementation of drug abuse prevention program. The facility shall include a vocational room, tutoring room, counseling room, library, conference room, comfort rooms, sleeping quarters, dining area, kitchen, and office space for the staff.

2. The centers location shall be accessible to, at least community facilities such as schools, churches and hospitals and must be far from conflict areas, cliff rivers, gas and power stations and other structures that may post hazards to all.

3. The Provincial Government shall provide the personnel, supplies, equipment, and others as it may deem necessary to carry out an effective implementation of a drug education program. The center shall be manned by the PSWDO, a social worker, a manpower development officer, and an administrative staff.

4. Community assemblies shall be conducted in coordination with the municipal/city social welfare offices. Through these assemblies, the number of OSY and street children and their needs/problems could be identified. This activity and the data gathered from such should result to and be the basis of plans formulated for the target group.

5. The social worker shall maintain files/records of the OSY and street children. These shall be used to monitor the progress of the child/youth and their families as reference in providing the necessary services.

6. The DSWD shall develop the standards in the operation of the SDEC in consultation and coordination with the DILG and NYC and upon approval of the DDB, these standards shall be adopted in all private and public orphanages/child caring agencies and existing special centers whenever applicable. IHDCcT

VII. Concept of Implementation

The Project shall be carried out by the local government units (LGUs) with the active participation of the community. The DILG shall be the lead Department with the DDB, DSWD, and NYC as support agencies. It shall entail the establishment of the SDECs in the provinces. The DILG shall issue the corresponding memorandum circulars to encourage the establishment of the SDEC in the highly urbanized, component cities and municipalities or other LGUs.

The Provincial Governors and City/Municipal Mayors shall organize the SDEC Team. At the city/municipal level, the local Chief Executive shall designate the Team leader from among its members.

Composition

Team Leader : Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer

 For the city and municipal levels, the Team leaders shall be designated by the city and municipal mayors.

Members :

 • Provincial/City/Municipal SK President

 • NYC Representative

 • Provincial Director — DILG

 • City/Municipal Local Government Operation Officer

 • Community representative

The Provincial Governor and City/Municipal Mayor may invite other agencies; NGOs for coordination purposes.

The SDEC shall develop and implement programs and services along drug prevention among the OSY and street children and shall tap related activities/services from other agencies.

Program Components:

1. Advocacy and Social Preparation

  This involves the conduct of activities among community organizations; private, religious, business and the civil society to create public awareness and support in the operationalization of the SDEC. It shall convey basic messages that will promote healthy, developed children and youth as well as a drug free home and community. Social preparation shall ensure participation of the existing structures in the community e.g. Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC), Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), youth groups, LGUs etc. to effectively implement the program. SAHIaD

2. Technical Assistance and Capability Building of implementors

  The SDEC staff, LGUs, barangay, volunteers and other persons involved shall be equipped with the necessary knowledge, attitude and skills in the operationalization of the Center and in carrying out its programs and services to be provided either by the DSWD, NYC, DILG and other GAs and NGOs.

3. Networking and Resource Generation

  This involves tapping and maximizing local and international resources to support the delivery of services. This includes linkages with various individuals, groups and organizations towards achieving a common goal through sharing of resources and expertise.

4. Data Banking and Documentation

  The data banking, management, and utilization shall be done and maintained on the profile, of children and youth served and the number of service providers trained, among others.

  The data shall be used and shared with concerned agencies/groups to strengthen the data banking system. Documentation of cases and good practices/experiences shall be the basis for further policy/program development and replication.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

  Monitoring and evaluation are inherent activities in the operationalization of the SDEC. It involves conduct of regular monitoring to ensure effectiveness of the service e.g. on-site visit to Centers, consultations; mid-year/annual evaluation conference.

6. Service Delivery

  The following programs/services/activities are available in the Center and in the community:

a) Self-Enrichment Service — the provision of opportunities to the clientele for self-enhancement to enable him/her/them to fully participate and be fully mainstreamed into the society, e.g. personality development through values education; sustained positive attitudes, knowledge/skills on family enrichment, etc. acquired in the Center.

b) Interventions for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Other Health Related Issues and Concerns — these are activities for the OSY, street children and their families to be provided with accurate and updated information in the prevention of drug abuse. This involves the conduct of sessions/forum using various forms of creative media. This will raise the awareness and understanding on the nature and effects of drugs and likewise prevent incidence of drug abuse.

Topics shall also include drug related issues such us STD-HIV AIDS; adolescent fertility and reproductive health etc.

c) Capability Building Services — This involves the provision of life coping skills, leadership skills, peer counseling to bring out positive behavior and healthy lifestyle among the OSY and street children. Families shall be trained on parenting and life skills towards a drug free home.

d) Skills Training and Livelihood Services — This involves activities that aim to develop positive work habits, attitudes and skills in crafts and trades for the economic productivity of the clientele group. This includes provision of capital assistance, job counseling and referral for employment.

e) Literacy Programs — The provision of opportunities for non-formal and special education in coordination with the Department of Education.

f) Family Counseling — The provision/conduct of counseling sessions to the children/youth and his/her family to enable them to be aware of the factors which caused the problem; their roles and responsibilities to strengthen family relationship.

g) Community Participation — This refers to the involvement of the clientele in selected activities of the immediate community of the Center designed to develop their sense of social responsibility and community belongingness.

h) Recreational Sports and Other Cultural Activities — These are activities that promote the physical, social and cultural development of the children and youth. EHCcIT

7. Replication

  The establishment of the SDECS may be adopted by the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), peoples' organizations (POs), civic or religious organizations, among others.

VIII. Roles and Responsibilities

a) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) — Office of Primary Responsibility

1) Issue the appropriate circular for the LGUs to undertake the following through the Provincial/City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office:

• At the provincial level, head the SDEC, through its Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer. For the highly urbanized, component and non-component cities and municipalities, the head shall be designated by the local Chief Executive;

• Operate and manage the SDEC according to established guidelines set by the DSWD;

• Provide the facility, funds, personnel, supplies, materials and equipment necessary in the management of the center and implementation of drug abuse prevention activities;

• Identify target clientele and manage their cases;

• Ensure that the SDEC complies with the standards developed on the operation of the Center, as approved by the DDB;

• Organize and mobilize volunteers to assist in the implementation of drug abuse prevention program in coordination with the P/C/MSWDO;

• Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of the SDEC following the standards set including documentation of the operation of SDEC in the implementation of drug abuse prevention program; and

• Submit quarterly/annual reports to the Dangerous Drugs Board cc: DSWD, DILG.

2) Monitor and assist the Provincial Government to ensure the establishment of the Special Drug Education Center;

3) Provide technical assistance on the operation and management of the Center;

4) Establish linkages with local, national and international agencies for technical and financial support to the SDEC;

5) Monitor compliance based on the standards set and ensure the submission of SDEC reports to the DDB.

b) Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

1) Develop the guidelines in the operationalization and management of SDEC in consultation and coordination with the DILG and the NYC and approved by the DDB;

2) Provide technical assistance in the development of a drug abuse prevention program and in the operations/management of the SDEC;

3) Undertake training/capability building activities for Center staff; and

4) Develop standards in the operation of SDEC and guidelines for monitoring of its compliance in consultation and coordination with the DILG and the NYC and approved by the DDB.

c. Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and its Secretariat

1) Develop a national prevention program, in cooperation with the DILG, NYC and DSWD, designed for OSY and Street Children; and

2) Require the SDECs to submit periodic reports on their activities pertaining to said program.

d. National Youth Commission (NYC)

1) Conduct life skills training to the out-of-school youth, street children and young drug dependents; and

2) Provide access to existing program/services e.g. Ship for South East Asia Youth Program, Youth Entrepreneur Program, National Youth Parliament, Government Internship Program and scholarships, etc. EIaDHS

IX. Budget

The funds for the establishment and maintenance of the SDEC shall be sourced out from the following:

a) Twenty percent (20%) development funds of the LGU;

b) Annual budget of the Local Social Welfare and Development Office;

c) Other sources, such as, but not limited to the share from PAGCOR, gaming and amusement centers; and

d) Private sector contributions or other sources generated from fund-raising activities

X. Coordinating Instructions

a) Guidelines on the operationalization and management of SDEC shall be made available to Provincial/City/Municipal Social Welfare Development Officers (P/C/MSWDOs) and the Provincial/City/Municipal LGUs within ninety (90) days after this IRR becomes effective. SDEC shall be fully established with the corresponding programs in place, and the necessary budget allocated by 01 January 2004.

b) Close coordination of action programs related to SDEC among DILG, DSWD, NYC and DDB at all levels shall be assured. The SDEC, LGUs, and the concerned community organizations shall be developed and maintained.

c) The network of contacts should be identified and a healthy exchange between concerned parties should be forged and maintained.

d) Quarterly submission of reports on significant program activities to include difficulties encountered and recommended solutions shall be submitted to the DDB, copy furnished the DILG, NYC, DSWD, and the LGU concerned.

e) Special concerns not resolved or addressed at the SDEC level shall be elevated to the DDB for its appropriate action/intervention.

XI. Effectivity

These Implementing Guidelines shall take effect after publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation and after fifteen (15) days upon registration with the Office of the National Administrative Register of the UP Law Center.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 30th day of May 2003.

 

(SGD.) MIGUEL A. PEREZ-RUBIO(President, Katotohanan Foundation)	(SGD.) JAIME M. VIBAR(Representing the President, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
(SGD.) MA. MERCEDITAS N. GUTIERREZ(Undersecretary, representing the Secretary of Justice)	(SGD.) ANTONIO S. LOPEZ(Undersecretary, representing the Secretary of Health)
ANTONIO C. SANTOS(Undersecretary, representing the Secretary of National Defense)	JOSE ISIDRO N. CAMACHO(Secretary of Finance)
PATRICIA A. STO. TOMAS(Secretary of Labor and Employment)	(SGD.) LOURDES G. BALANON(Undersecretary, representing the Secretary of Social Welfare and
(SGD.) FRANKLIN M. EBDALIN(Undersecretary, representing the Secretary of Foreign Affairs)	(SGD.) RAMON C. BACANI(Undersecretary, representing the Secretary of Education)
ESTER A. GARCIA(Chair, Commission on Higher Education)	(SGD.) PAOLO BENIGNO A. AQUINO IV(Chair, National Youth Commission)
(SGD.) ANSELMO S. AVENIDO, JR.(Director-General, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency)	(SGD.) AGNES VST DEVANADERA(Undersecretary, representing the Department of the Interior & Local Government)
(SGD.) EDGAR C. GALVANTE(Undersecretary)	(SGD.) BERNARDO T. LASTIMOSO(Undersecretary)
(SGD.) JOSE D. LINA, JR.(Secretary, Department of the Interior and Local Government)OIC-Chairman, Dangerous Drugs Board
Attested:
(SGD.) EFREN Q. FERNANDEZ(Undersecretary)