THE BARANGAY (COMMUNITY) DRUG CLEARING PROGRAMME:A HOLISTIC AND WHOLE-OF-NATION APPROACH IN CURBING THE
DRUG MENACE IN THE PHILIPPINES
Riza Soriano Ardepolla*

I. OVERVIEWThe Philippines, as a member of the United Nations and together with other countries, is an active
advocate in curbing the drug menace in the South-East Asian region.  The Philippines is also committed tocarry out a balanced approach in addressing the world drug problem as embodied in the UNODC Strategy
2021-2025. This is the international anchor of the anti-illegal drug strategies of the Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency (PDEA).
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), through Republic Act of 9165 otherwise known as the“Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”, was created and is mandated to lead the enforcement of thelaw on anti-narcotics. Along with Local Government Units, other government duty-bearers/stakeholders and
Non-Government Organizations, PDEA enjoins collaborative and multi-stakeholder approaches towards adrug-cleared and/or drug-free status of communities through the institutionalization of Barangay Drug
Clearing Program (BDCP).
The BDCP is a sturdy support to the campaign of the government against criminality and in combatingillegal drugs. The BDPC is the main anti-drug drug framework as1 embodied in Executive Order No. 15,
series of 2017 or the “Creation of Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) to Suppress theDrug Problem in the Country.” The Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) enlists theassistance of the public and private agencies including the local government units in a balanced, holistic,
unified, synchronized and integrated approach of supply and demand reduction strategies in addressing the
drug menace at the barangay level. The programme is putting primacy to the welfare of the “least-caredsurrenderers”. The person who uses drug (PWUDs) by preventing them to commit crimes. It also concerns
about pushers/drug offenders by preventing them from reoffending. Both PWUDs and pushers/drug
offenders are humanely treated as victims of illegal drugs
and are given a chance to renew and rebuild themselves
through interventions, rehabilitation, and treatment andreintegration programmes in their respective barangay.
This is acquiescent with the policy declaration of RA 9165
which provides that the State shall safeguard the wellbeing of its citizenry from the harmful effects of dangerous
drugs on their physical and mental well-being and shallprovide effective mechanisms or measures to reintegrate
into society individuals who have fallen victim to drug
abuse or dangerous drug dependence through sustainable
programmes of treatment and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, BDCP is a programme close to theFilipino heart because it is anchored on the Filipino cultureof “Bayanihan.” It is a unique Philippine government*

  Supervisor, PDEA Barangay Drug Clearing Program (Mindanao Cluster), Philippines.
Executive Order No. 15, Series of 2017 Creation of Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) to Suppress theDrug Problem in the Country.
1

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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 114
initiative considered to be the most effective way in combating the drug menace confronting the Filipino
populace. The BDCP started as a study of Undersecretary (USEC) Wilkins2 Malinawan Villanueva, Director
General of PDEA, the brainchild of the programme, in his master’s degree back in 2003.  It took more thana decade before its institutionalization in the country. With the leadership of USEC Villanueva thisinstitutionalization is sealed with the issuance of Board Regulation No. 4 Series of 2021 otherwise known as“Sustaining the Implementation of Barangay Drug Clearing Programme (BDCP) and Repealing for Such
Purpose Board Regulation No. 3, Series of 2017”.
As a result of the aforementioned circumstances, clear-cut procedures are defined under the BDCP
implementation intended to ensure that there will be No Relapsed case for stigma-free rehabilitated PWUDs
and there will be No repeat offenders for Drug Reformists in the 42,045 barangays in the country. As of thiswriting, the Barangay Drug Clearing Programme has facilitated the reformation of 260,831 PWUDS and
5,743 offenders. These people are being monitored by the local government units.
A. The Barangay (Community) Drug Clearing Programme
The programme is anchored on the culture of cooperation, respect for human dignity, holistic strategies,
and whole-of-nation approach considered as most effective
platform in addressing the drug problem aimed at
reducing the drug affectation in the country by taking
away drugs from the people, taking the people awayfrom the lure of illegal drugs and minimizing the impactof the drug problem in the barangay (community).3
The BDCP provides systematized processes indetermining the extent of drug affectation of every
barangay in the country and in declaring the same as
drug-cleared or drug-free through evaluation, deliberationand validation. In effect, cities, municipalities andprovinces will also be declared as drug-cleared or drugfree.
B. The Ultimate Goals of the Barangay Drug Clearing Programme
1. Free the rehabilitated PWUDs and drug reformists from the stigma of illegal drugs and reintegratethem to the community, making them productive citizens again;
2. Empower the citizenry and enable them to resist the lure of illegal drugs; and3. Enable the barangays, municipalities, cities and provinces to police their own respective communities,
ensuring that they will deter the entry of illegal drugs into their respective communities.
C. Recipients of the Programme
All PWUDs and pushers in the barangay (community) with validated involvement in illegal drugs andthose plea bargainers (drug offenders) per court order for rehabilitation are the target recipients of BDCP.
They will be provided with appropriate intervention that will help them to be reintegrated into thecommunity.4

2

Strengthening the Implementation of BDCP and Repealing for Such Purpose of Board Regulation No. 3, Series of 2017.
Dangerous Drugs Board Reg. 4, S 2021 “Sustaining the Implementation of Barangay Drug Clearing Program and Repealing
for Such Purpose”.
4
Ibid.
3

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PARTICIPANTS’ PAPERS
D. Conceptual Framework of BDCP
Holistic and Multi-Sectoral Approaches in
Addressing Drug Problem

Political Will of Local Government Units

Commitment of Duty Bearers andStakeholders
Institutionalized Anti-drug Programs,
Activities and Initiatives

Drug Cleared andDrug-Free
Barangays,
Municipalities,
Cities andProvinces

Stigma-free
Rehabilitated
PWUDs andDrug reformist;
Resilient and
Self-policing
communities

Institutionalized Relapse Management
and Social Reintegration Programs

As shown above, the victory on the fight against illegal drug problem in the country is dependent on five(5) dynamic variables which shall be implemented conscientiously in order to achieve the outputs andoutcomes of the Programme. These variables are called the “Villanueva Pentavariables” and are defined asfollows:
1. Holistic and Multi-Sectoral Approaches in Addressing the Drug Problem – This means that the
BDCP employs the strategies in addressing the drug problem which are the supply and demand
reduction. It involves the participation of the National Government Agencies (NGAs) and coordination
with the Non-Government Offices (NGOs) in the Local Government Units and looks at the whole
population as affected by the problem.
2. Political Will of the Local Government Units – This refers to the sincere, consistent and unceasing
support of the local government units and local chief executives in the implementation of BDCP sinceprime end user of the programme are the constituents.
3. Commitment of Duty-Bearers and Stakeholders – All government departments, agencies and sectors
concerned must commit to do their share in addressing the drug problem that is a cross-cutting
strategy and not a stand-alone problem. Thus, commitment of all supporters and advocates of the
BDCP to fully support the implementation of the programme is essential.
4. Institutionalized Anti-Drug Programmes, Activities and Initiatives – Issuance of policies, programmes,
resolutions, regulations and ordinances including other anti-drug initiatives in planning and budget
allocations are the effective ways to institutionalise the anti-drug efforts and strategies.5
5. Institutionalized Relapse Management and Social Reintegration Programme – This is considered themost humane component of BDCP wherein rehabilitated PWUDs and drug reformists are ensured ofa better environment to become productive citizens, ensuring the prevention of reoffending in thecommunity, giving prime concern on institutionalized relapse management for rehabilitated PWUDs
and drug reformists and providing a comprehensive reintegration programme are of utmost importance.
These outputs will bring further the programme to a sustainable level and to the achievement of its
ultimate goals.
E. Roles of Duty-Bearers and Stakeholders
Based on Dangerous Drug Board Regulation No. 4, Series of 2021 along with the Philippine Drug
Enforcement Agency, the ADACs in LGUs shall carry out the comprehensive implementation of the
5

Ibid.

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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 114
programme. Law Enforcement Agencies and other stakeholders have specific roles in each stage of the
programme, which includes the National Government Agencies, Non-Government Organizations, Peoples
Organizations, Faith-Based Organizations, Civic Society Organizations, Youth Sector, Academe, Private
Sector; and Media.
F. Stages and Activities of BDCP Implementation
The successful implementation of the BDCP to its sustainable development follows a Three (3) – tierwhich bring the above desired outputs to Drug-cleared/Drug-free status of barangays, municipalities, cities
and provinces declared by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing Programme(ROCBDC). Procedures in Declaring Drug Affected Barangays and the unremitting implementation ofAppropriate Intervention6 Programmes along with the required sustainable activities/programme in BDCPin preventing relapse and preventing reoffending for all the surrenderers (PWUDS, qualified pushers anddrug offenders/plea bargainers) and even the Newly Identified individuals in illegal drugs activities are
sustained. Participation of stakeholders is crucial for sustainability of the programme.
FOUNDATION Stage - defines the readiness of the barangay to undertake the Barangay Drug Clearing
Programme.
1. Roll-out/cascading of Barangay Drug Clearing Programme (BDCP) to all the barangays in the country.
Participants are members of Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) from the barangays, municipalities/cities
and provinces including its Chairman and its committees.
Committees on Peace and order Council, Advocacy, Women and Family, Youth Council, Representative of
Faith-Based Organization, Law Enforcement Agencies (Philippine National Police), Municipal/City Local
Operation Officer from the DILG, Municipal/City Health Officer (MHO/CHO) and the Barangay HealthWorkers (BHW)•Responsible Office/Stakeholder: Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)
2.  Strengthening the functional Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) implementing the programme whichaims to eradicate/prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the community and are evident through Reactivatedand Revitalized BADAC, BADAC Monitoring mechanisms and BADACs Allocation of Budget for Antidrug initiatives in their Annual Investment Plan.
•Responsible Office/Stakeholder: Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Local
Government Unit (LGU)
3. Management of Watch List.
The Lists of surrenderers/individuals with validated involvement on illegal drug activities are categorized
and subjected to appropriate intervention programmes in the community.7•Responsible Office/Stakeholder: PDEA, BADAC and PNP.
PIVOTAL STAGE - Exemplifies that the BDCP is being implemented and its impact starts to be felt by
the community. Apart from implementation of Demand Reduction Programmes and conduct of otherrelated activities, implementation of appropriate intervention Programmes for Person Who Used Drugs(PWUDs) is assessed, implemented and managed by the Department of Health according to the standard
protocol of the World Health Organization following the result of the ASSIST tool whether for Community
Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP), General Intervention (GI) and on Treatment Rehabilitation
Centres (TRCs).  Whereas, qualified pushers and drug offenders/plea bargainers on drugs are for Balay
Silangan (BS) Reformatory Programme which is managed by the LGU.
4. Conduct of House Visits.
House visit is conducted to surrenderers to inform them the available appropriate intervention by thegovernment which they could readily avail of.
•Responsible Office/Stakeholder: BADAC, PNP and PDEA

6
7

Ibid.
Ibid.

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PARTICIPANTS’ PAPERS

5. Processing of Surrenderers
The provision of One-Stop-Shop/venue for the processing of surrenderers, including the assessment ofappropriate intervention modality.  This includes Assessment using ASSIST tool based on the UN standard
is conducted for appropriate intervention modality (pursuant to DDB Reg. No. 7, Series of 2019), Validationof residency, Profiling, Conduct of Drug Test and Administration of Affidavit of Undertaking for
Surrenderers (pursuant to Sec. 54 and 61 of RA 19165).
•Responsible Office: Municipal/City Health Officer(CHO/MHO) PNP, LGU, PDEA8
6. Implementation of Intervention Programmes – is based on the result of ASSIST tool and duration
depends on the assessment/evaluation of case managers. Each has its Treatment Card/Book for monitoringand shall complete the intervention programme. Surrenderer classified as both PWUD and pusher shallbe subjected to two interventions – for Community Based Programme and for Balay-Silangan Reformatory
Programme. Conduct of at least three (3) surveillance Drug Tests is recommended for evaluating the
success of the intervention programme, upon admission, anytime within the programme compliance andprior to temporary release/primary programme completion.
•Responsible Office/Stakeholder: Municipal/City Health Officer (MHO/CHO) and LGU
7. Categorizing of Identified Individuals/Surrenders in the Lists – the assigning of color-codes to intervention
undertaken by those PWUDs, qualified pushers and drug offenders/plea bargainers for their monitoring
and accounting.
•Responsible Office/Stakeholder: BADAC assisted by PDEA
8. Assessment for Declaration of Drug Cleared Status Barangays (community). This is the submission ofcomplete documentary requirements to qualify for application and issuance of Drug Cleared Status of
Barangay/Municipality/City/Province.9•Responsible Office/Stakeholder: PDEA (Regional Barangay Drug Clearing Team implementers in the 17
Regional Offices nationwide)
9. Deliberation by the Regional Oversight Committee on BDCP (ROCBDC) -Through the Chairmanship of
PDEA in the Regional Offices and its members’ stakeholders•Responsible Office/Stakeholder: PDEA, DILG, DOH, PNP and the Local Chief Executive or Authorized
representative.
SUSTAINABILITY STAGE – this means that the level of BDCP implementation has stabilized in the
LGU evidently indicated by empowered and self-policing barangays, drug resilient citizens, and stigmafree rehabilitated PWUDs and drug reformists reintegrated in the community. After declaration made by
ROCBDC the Drug-Cleared and/or Drug-Free Status barangays must sustain its status through Preventing
Reoffending for Drug Reformists and Relapse Prevention Program for Rehabilitated PWUDs must include
the following sustainable programs/activities in the LGU.
1.  Social Reintegration programmes for Rehabilitated PWUDs and Drug Reformists.
2.  Relapsed Prevention Programme for Rehabilitated PWUDs.
3.  Continuous Implementation of Drug-Free Workplace Programme.
4.  Active Multi-Sectoral Support to BDCP implementation.
5.  Continuous Capacity Development for BDCP Implementers.
6.  Establishment of Community Drug Watch.
7.  Establishment of Community Support Group for Drug Problem.
8.  Institutionalization of implementation of BDCP through Ordinances, Executive    Orders and Policies.10
9.  Periodic consultation with Duty Bearers and Stakeholders which may include holding of Annual
Conference on BDCP Implementation.
10. Continuous conduct of demand reduction activities/awareness programme in the LGU and in all
sectors.
11. Sustained intervention programmess for PWUDs (GI, CBDRP and Drug Treatment Rehab Centres
Programme).
12. Sustained intervention programmes for pushers and other Drug offenders/plea bargainers.

8

Ibid.
Ibid.
10
Ibid.
9

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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 114
ROCBDC composed of PDEA together with other government agencies and LGUs conducts validation
procedures to those with drug cleared and/or drug-free status to ensure its sustainability and ensure thestatus of RPWUDs and Drug Reformist preventing them from relapsed case/s and reoffending as well.
G. Details of Intervention Programmes
The figure below shows the New Client Flow for Wellness and Recovery from Substance Related Issues
based from the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).11

1. For PWUDs, interventions depend on the result of assessment using ASSIST tool.
(i) Low Risk Drug Use Dependence (0-3) –. General Intervention (GI) is maximum of 1-month period.
This includes Brief Interventions, Individual Family programmes, Health and Psycho-Education
and Psycho-Socio/Spiritual Support.
(ii) Moderate Risk of Drug Use Dependence (4-26) - For Community Based Drug Rehabilitation
Programme which include but not limited to: Case Management with Individual Treatment Plan,
Psycho-Education and Advocacy, Counselling/Coaching, Education/Employment Support, Relapse
Management and other activities deemed necessary.
(iii) High Risk of Drug Use Dependence (27 and above) - PWUDs shall undergo a Drug Dependency
Examination (DDE), conducted by DOH-accredited physician and PWUDs may be diagnosed for
In-patient /Out-patient treatment and interventions.
(a) PWUD diagnosed as MILD SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER/COMMUNITY-BASED with the notlimited to the following interventions: Case Management with Individual Treatment Plan, PsychoSocial Support, Recovery Skills, Life Skills, Brief Interventions and Motivational Interviews, Spiritual/
Faith-based Structured Interventions, Social support Activities not limited to Technical Skills
Enhancement, Livelihood Training12 Activities, Educational Programmess, Environmental Awarenessactivities, Socio-Civic Activities, Attendance/Meetings of Support Groups  like Narcotics Anonymous,
11

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX1wQ3ZsLNw “The New Client Flow for Wellness and Recovery from Substance
Related Issues through DDBgovph, 28 Jun. 2020; Dangerous Drugs Board Reg. No 7, Series of 2019, Consolidated Revised
Rules Governing Access to Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs and Services.
12
Ibid.
 	  Dangerous Drugs Board Reg. No 7, Series of 2019, Consolidated Revised Rules Governing Access to Treatment andRehabilitation Programs and Services

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PARTICIPANTS’ PAPERS
Faith Based and NGOs.
(b) PWUD diagnosed as MODERATE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER/FACILITY-BASED OUTPATIENT. PWUD shall undergo detoxification (when necessary) and referred for “out-patient”
programme accredited by Department of Health which may include but  not limited to Structured
Out-Patient Modalities (Psychotherapy Interventions), Moral or Spiritual/Faith-Based Structured
Intervention (Counselling, Provision of Addiction modules/Services), Individual/Group Counselling,
Behaviour Modification programme, Social support Activities not limited to Technical Skills
Enhancement, Livelihood Training Activities, Educational programmes, Environmental Awareness
Activities, Socio-Civic Activities, Attendance/meetings of Support Groups (Narcotics Anonymous,
Faith Based and NGOs).
(c) PWUDs diagnosed with SEVERE PWUD SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER/FACILITY-BASED INPATIENT for 6-month period. PWUD shall undergo detoxification (when necessary) and referred for“in-patient” programme accredited by DOH which has bio-psychosocial spiritual approach which may
include, but not limited to Therapeutic Community Model, Minnesota Model and Other Evidencebased Model programmes.
2. For Reformation intervention in Balay Silangan Programme- For pushers in the list of surrenderers andplea bargainers (drug offenders) with court order for admission to13 Balay Silangan upon release to thecommunity from detention facilities.
FLOW CHART ON ADMISSION IN BS REFORMATORY PROGRAM(The figure below shows the admission of clients in Balay Silangan Reformatory Programand The Involved Stakeholders)

Clients Eligibility for Balay Silangan
Reformation Programme
A. Pushers in the validated List of PDEA-PNP(except for Drug offenders who served sentenceor acquitted by court)●Surrenderers not subject for anti-drug
operation●Pusher with No pending cases on Drugs
B. Drug Offenders (a person charged with a drugrelated offence or an offence in which substanceabuse under Republic Act 9165)●Plea Bargainers with court order for
to Balay Silangan
admission/intervention.

PDEA and other law
enforcement agencies, LGU

Program Orientation
All clients are required to attend the BS
orientation for thorough awareness of theintervention programme including therequirements for its duration.
PDEA, PNP, DILG,LGU (Municipal/City
Health Officer),

13

Processing of Surrenderers(One-Stop-Shop activity inin the barangay (community)

Assessment● Profiling●Medical and Physical Exam.
●Psychological, if available

Admission
Requirements●Submission of
documents●Endorsement letterfrom BADAC
Chairman●Affidavit ofUndertaking,●Court Order foradmission to Balay
Silangan, if applicable

LGU (venue andother logistic
requirements)

PDEA, PNP,DILG,
LGU(Municipal/ City
Health Officer),
assistance from alegal Counsel/DDB
Legal Officer)

LGU, PDEA
and otherstakeholders

Ibid.

77

RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 114
As of this writing, enhanced provisional concept is yet to be approved by the Dangerous Drugs Board
which provides that client enrolled in the BS programme shall undergo a one (1)-month mandatory “in-house”
for Education, Health, Psychosocial and Physical Activities as reflected below. Only clients certified by thecase manager shall proceed to Livelihood or Employment Education Phase.14
A. Education and Health●Includes Knowledge on Illegal Drugs and Its
Ill effects●Lecture on Salient Provisions of RA 9165
Involved Stakeholder: PDEA, LGU (ADAC)

B. Psychosocial and Physical Activities●Counseling Sessions,●Consultative Sessions●Moral Recovery Activities● Discipline and Values Formation, ●Personal andLife Skills●Exercises and Sports Activities
Involved Stakeholder: LGU (MHO/CHO), ADAC,
Religious Sector

C. Livelihood or Employment Education(determined by LGUs to include but not limited to
the following)●Green Revolution Programme (Gardening*)●Soap Making●Massage Training or Reflexology,●Basic Carpentry●Basic Welding and Electrical● Basic Haircutting●Food Processing●Mushroom Culture
Involved Stakeholders: LGU (ADAC), TESDA, DTI.
DOLE, DAD. After-care Services●Continuous counselling● Job Placement● Other Alternative Economic Development●Programme on Alternative Learning System
Involved Stakeholder: PDEA, LGU (ADAC), DSWD,TESDA, DTI. DOLE, DA, DepEd/CHED

From January 2017 to December 2021, PDEA recorded 319 Balay Silangan Reformatory Centersestablished in the country which catered eligible pushers and plea bargainers for BS intervention programmewith a total of 5, 743 clients. Apart from this continuous commitment LGU must ensure the requirements
below in BS establishment.15

14Dangerous Drugs Board Reg. No 2, Series of 2018, Balay Silangan - Guidelines for Community Involvement in Reforming
Drug Offenders Who Voluntarily Surrendered into Self-sufficient and Law-abiding Members of Society.
15
Ibid.

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PARTICIPANTS’ PAPERS

1. Establishment of the infrastructures
necessary for the program which may have thefollowing but not limited to: Lecture Room/s;●
Counselling Room;●
Sleeping Quarters;●
Comfort Rooms;●
Mess Area/Pantry;●
Clinic; and●Sports/Recreation Area

2. Provision of appropriate number of
personnel who will man the facility which
include but not limited to:●Facility Head;●
Program Coordinators;●
Case Managers;●
Medical Aide;●
Security; and●Utility Workers

3. Financial and logistical support needed
for the operationalization of the facility.

4. Signed Memorandum of Agreement(MOA)/Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) with various stakeholders.

5. Reformatory Module must be holistic
and anchored on respect for human dignity.

H. Monitoring Mechanism
To ensure that the implementers are comprehensively
implementing the programme in the country, PDEA also
created the PDEA Barangay Drug Clearing ProgrammeWorking Group for Monitoring and Validation (PB-WMV).
Currently, it is headed by the Chief of Staff, Dir. III Charlene
R Magdurulang who oversees the PBWMV in supervisingand monitoring the effectiveness and efficient implementationof the 17 Regions in the country. The PB-WMV and Regional
BDCP Teams (RBDCPT) shall champion the programme
implementation. Strengthening multi-stakeholder coordination,
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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 114
drafting and implementation of guidelines and policies, preparation of plans and programmes, validation,assessment, data gathering and analysis, and recommendatory functions are among its mandate.
I. LGU’s Commendable Practices on BDCP Implementation: As First Drug-Free City in the Philippines
The LGUs effort in the sustainable development programme in the implementation of Barangay Drug
Clearing Programme shows solid support to the programme. Apparent proof for this is the LGU of Tangub
City hailed as the First Drug-Free City in the Philippines on April 11, 2019. It is situated in Northern
Mindanao, Philippines.16 On the basis of Board Regulation
No. 3, Series of 2017, it was duly declared by the ROCBDC
through PDEAs chairmanship under USEC Wilkins M
Villanueva, MPA, CESE, the former Regional Director of
PDEA Regional Office X and currently the Director
General of the said agency. The city has 55 drug-clearedbarangays with sustained status with a total of 3,729
rehab PWUDs and 120 Drug Reformists respectively
who have undergone intervention programmes on
Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Programme(CBDRP) and Balay Silangan (BS) Reformatory
Programme.
Based on the ROCBDC’s thorough assessment and evaluation which then confirmed further the study
conducted by the Joint Research Project of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and Integrative Competitive
Intelligence Asia, Inc. on May 2020, “Best Practices of Selected Drug-Cleared Barangays: A Basis for A DrugFree Community Paradigm”, The study shows distinctive efforts made by Tangub City which substantiates
the sustainable programme BDCP are as follows:
1. Institutionalization of policies which include Creation of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC),
Drug Free Work Place Ordinance for the Public Sector, Executive Order Establishing the One Stop
Shop for the Processing of Applications for Voluntary Treatment and Rehabilitation of Drug Dependents
wherein a Legal and City Health Offices was tasked on the step-by-step procedure of the process fromclient interview and assessment to admission to the treatment centres, and the Drug Free Work Place
Policy.
2. LGUs continuous demand reduction activities/awareness programme evident through various

USEC Wilkins M Villanueva, current Director General, PDEA and the former Regional Director of PDEA Region Office X
in Northern Mindanao, painstakingly conducts of continuous lectures on BDCP awareness to LGU, government agencies
and other stakeholders.
16

PDEA// Tangub City LGU, 2020 Joint Research Study of DDB and Integrative Competitive Intelligence Asia, Inc. Best
Practices of Drug-Cleared Barangays: A Basis for a Drug-Free Community Paradigm

80PARTICIPANTS’ PAPERS
meetings with barangay officials and attendance to barangay gatherings, house to house campaigns
and other activities were initiated by the CADAC Technical17 Working Group Core Team to encourage
full participation of the community in support to anti-illegal drug campaign/programme in the city.
3. Institutionalized partnerships and structures on rehabilitative perspective between LGU’s CADAC
Core Team with PDEA, PNP, and other government agencies through MOA/MOU and otherstakeholders.
4. Institutionalization of Drug-Free Workplace implementation, “housecleaning” through random Drug Tests to city hall employees andelected barangay officials during their general assembly/meeting.
Those tested positive both on the screening and confirmatory tests
were included on the first batch of 38 surrenderers and graduatesfor voluntary treatment and rehabilitation in18 Misamis Occidental
Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre. Drug-Free Workplace
has been institutionalized all throughout the LGU through issuanceof a Drug-Free Workplace policy for the public sector.
5. The establishment of Community Drug Watch as a system ofmonitoring and reporting on drug-related activities specifically theorganization of the Purok Service Unit (PSU) including budget
allowance. This has been entrenched through an
Executive Order and adopted by the LGU through a
Resolution. Usual PSU member ranges from 3 to 5 per
purok as shown in the figure on the left.

Photo taken during conduct ofrandom Drug Test in Tangub City.

(i) The members are nominated by the barangay LGU
based on the following criteria:(a) He/she should be an upstanding member of thecommunity(b) A registered voter in the barangay(c) No police record(d) At least high-school graduate(e) Selected by the Barangay Affairs Section (BAS)under the Office of the Mayor(f) Must undergo the PSU orientation regarding their roles and responsibilities, including reporting
requirements conducted by BADAC and CADAC.
(g) Member of PSU will receive a monthly honorarium from the city with additional incentives forgood performers.
(ii) Encompassing PSU’s task on the peace and order are identification and reporting drug users andpushers in the area, monitoring of peoples’ movement19 coming in and out within their puroks(village) which include collection of basic information of newcomers in the area like name, address,
purpose, length of stay in the area and other necessary info and subsequent reporting for suspicious
activities of individuals to the PNP for verification or further investigation as well.
(iii) Residents are required to report incoming visitors to the barangay and shall provide the necessary
information before the date of arrival.
(iv) The reporting process of PSU is illustrated in the figure below.

17

Ibid.
Ibid.
19
Ibid.
18

81

RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 114(v) The PSU has been effective in preventing the return of illegal drugs activities and maintaining
peace and order in the communities through regular reporting of any suspicious illegal drug
activities or individuals and on-time action. There’s an easy access on reporting to PNP and the
Chairman, CADAC (Mayor of the city) through their Text- hotlines. The CADAC Core Team isfurnished copies of drug-related reports, which then the PNP conducts verification before taking
appropriate action. Reports will be submitted to the BAS on quarterly basis for checking,consolidation and record-keeping. Performance of the PSU is then monitored by the respective
barangay wherein feedback is also provided to them.20
6. Sustained intervention programmes for pushers. In collaboration
with PDEA and based on Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Regulation
Number 2, Series of 2018 aimed at capacitating the whole person andensuring their reintegration to become productive and law-abiding
citizens of society, Tangub City has established and Operational
Balay Silangan Centre with graduated of 120 Drug Reformists.

• It was operationalized in February 2019 and was funded by the LGU which also caters pushers for reformationfrom the neighbouring cities and LGUs.
• It has committed 13 casual or job-order employees comprises of a psychologist, two social workers, one medical
technician, one IT staff, seven recovery coaches and the Program Director/ Facility Nurse who is also the CBRP
Coordinator and CADAC TWG-Core Group member with a lot of experience in rehabilitation and treatment work.
• Clients activities include physical, mental, social, moral and spiritual aspects of recovery from the collective effortsof BS staff and interventionists from PDEA, PNP, religious sector and other stakeholders involved.
• Schedules includes exercises, performance of chores, individual reflection, journaling, family visitation and religious
sessions by observing one’s religious beliefs, aside from moral recovery and livelihood training.

7. Sustained intervention programmes for PWUDs with monitoring mechanisms includes enrolees checkin twice daily to assigned BADAC duty in the barangay. Individual weekly feedback through a journal
is required to PWUDs.21
Family involvement is vital to recovering PWUDs through orientation, and recollection activities with
PWUDs are necessary in relapse prevention aimed at repairing the relationship between recovering
PWUDs and their family members.

20
21

Ibid.
Ibid.

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8. Tailored support to Rehab PWUDs and Drug Reformists through LGUs provision of livelihood
assistance after completion of Aftercare programmes and upon reintegration into the community.
This support is a priority in LGUs employment based on skills matching and referrals.

9. Recovery counsellors and support system to clients in BS intervention programme and CBDRP arecommitted Rehabilitated PWUDs from first batch CBDRP graduates in 2016.
10. Establishment of community reward system in strengthening the monitoring mechanism of the LGU
whereby residents are actively encouraged in their participation on top of their commitment in thefight against illegal drugs and entry of all illegal drug-related activities in the city.22
11. Institutionalized allocation of funds for sustainable development of BDCP. Funding includes training
and information dissemination campaign, rehabilitation and facility treatment, financial support tofamilies of surrenderers and members of PSU, provision of supplies and operationalization of Balay
Silangan and conduct of CBRP. There is cost sharing between the city and the barangays of 10,000 per
year for the CBDRP programme. Committed personnel in the Anti-Drug Abuse Team are paid through
LGU’s regular budget.
J. Success Stories of Rehabilitated PWUDs and Drug Reformist in Tangub City
Below are journeys of eminent personal transformation of Rehab PWUDs and Drug Reformists succumbed
to BDCP intervention programmes as significant achievements of Tangub City in the implementation on
BDCP. Their positive transformation enhances awareness to the programme and cradle of inspirations to thecommunity and inspires continuous efforts among BDCP stakeholders in working hand-in-hand with thegovernment in achieving its ultimate goal.
1. Story of Reino Amado (pseudonym): From A Pusher to A Grateful Drug Reformist
Reino lived in Ozamis with his parents and siblings; later moved in Tangub City. During their childhood,
Reino and his siblings were always beaten by their father Lucio especially when they were not in their
22

Ibid.

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house.23 Reino was a consistent honor student until his
beloved mother died of cancer. Since then, Reino spent mostof his time with friends, roaming around entering houses
and stealing things. His father Lucio had been into several
partners before he met Nilda, Reino’s stepmother. Reino andhis stepmother were not on good terms then as he couldn’t
accept her as his mother. Reino learned to use illegal drugs(marijuana and shabu) during high school together with his
friends. Because of this, they kept on entering and breaking
into houses and learned to steal money to support theirhabit. When Reino graduated from high school, he enteredsmall time jobs for a living. His drug use escalated and his
vices had gone worse. Reino became a drug “runner” as hecould not depend on his pay. Reino met several partners andsome of them helped sustain his drug use. Reino met Mabel
who is an office staff of a private company. They fell foreach other and got married. But then, their marriage wasdifficult for he was still involved in illegal drug activities. When the Sagip Illegal Drug Users (Rescuing
illegal drug users) programme of the City Government of Tangub came, Mabel decided to apply for thevoluntary treatment and rehabilitation for her husband Reino. The programme had helped Reino to stopusing substances, handle triggers and turn away from his old behaviour. Months since his release fromthe Treatment Rehab Centres, Reino was informed by the City Anti-Drug Abuse office that he had toundergo a three-month reformation programme in Balay Silangan. The programmes Reino underwent
helped him to reflect on and understand the consequences of the things he had done before. He has fully
realized the value of developing respect, discipline and humility in oneself to become a self-sufficient
member of society. Mabel, on the other hand, has been very grateful for the man her husband Reino has
become now.24
2. The Triumph of Cesar Segora (pseudonym: A Rehabilitated and Reintegrated Person Who Uses Drugs
Cesar is currently working in the Provincial Rehab
Centre in Misamis Occidental. Cesar was born in Tudela,
Misamis Occidental. His family moved in Tangub City when
he was a year old and lived there since then. Cesar and his
siblings were raised by caring parents who taught them of
good manners and proper conduct. Cesar was able to finish
elementary school, high school and college with the supportof his family. It was in his college days when he joined afraternity and met friends who influenced him to use illegal
drugs (shabu). Cesar decided to go to Manila after college.
He didn’t expect that his stay would give him a view of how
rampant the illegal drug situation is in the city. Though he
was able to find a job and finished his SOLAS training, Cesar
failed to continue his application. His brother’s efforts to
support and help him land a job abroad got wasted. Cesar
was also able to work in Cebu as a merchandiser but still his
drug use went on.25
In 2006, Cesar met Arcilyn. They became lovers and tied the knot in 2013. Their relationship had been
the most difficult for Cesar couldn’t get away with drugs. Arcilyn, thinking Cesar would be able to turnaway from his drug abuse, believed that the chances she gave will someday be worthwhile. Cesar cameback to Tangub with the thought of quitting but his return only worsened his drug abuse. He was rarely
at home, uncomfortable when he couldn’t use drugs and sold valuable things in their home. Cesar brought
distress to his family and in-laws. It was in 2017 when the Community-based Drug Rehabilitation Program
23

Credit to Herry Rose C. Balili, RSW and Tangub City Anti-Drug Abuse Office/Misamis Occidental LGU
Ibid.
25
Ibid.
24

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was launched by the City Government of Tangub under the Sagip Illegal Drug Users Programme. Cesar
felt the need to quit for the current administration would possibly sue him due to his drug abuse. In early
2018, he volunteered to undergo CBDRP in their barangay but with uncertainty. Later, Cesar came torealize the dangers brought by drug addiction. He is finally able to see the support and sacrifices his wife
Arcilyn and family had taken to help him recover. He now takes his focus to important things in life
including his own family. Cesar became a CBDRP Recovery Coach in July to November 2018 and became
an example to the recovering PWUDs. In October 2019, Cesar was employed as Coach in the Misamis
Occidental Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre and since then, he continues to help with people
who struggle to find the road to recovery.26
K. Challenges Affecting the Implementation of BDCP
Based on the five-year experience in the implementation of the programme, PDEA and the Philippines
government have faced challenges which threaten the sustainability of the programme in preventing both
possible relapsed and reoffending cases involving a total 260,831 Rehabilitated PWUDs and 5,743 Drug
Reformists who have undergone intervention programmes in BDCP from the 24,303 Drug Cleared barangays
and 5,395 barangays with drug-free status out of 42,045 total barangays in the country.
The feat of BDCP hinges on the issues and concerns identified below.
1. The review on the current laws, policies and other issuances affecting the implementation of BDCP isvery crucial. Enactment of enabling laws and policy enhancement that is explicit and particular would
speed up the roles for the duty bearers and other stakeholders as implementers of the in the LGU.
The role of the court is very important for plea bargainers/drug offenders to undergo properintervention programmes, for instance Balay Silangan Reformatory Programmes. Despite diverse
mandates and priorities among duty-bearers and stakeholders involved in implementation, monitoringand supervision, fortification of the programme among courts should be deliberate.   Provision offunding and other mobilization requisites must be specified clearly ensuing BDCP anchored intervention
programme and other related activities and programmes.
2. Likewise, proper management of funds is an immense consideration in the implementation intervention
programme in which provision of quality intervention programmes is dependent. The duration of the
programmes also rely on the kind of intervention programme they were succumbed to following after
their assessment. Funding on the basic needs and other essentials during programme implementation
and reintegration is carefully outlaid.
3. Alternative development programmes for the Rehabilitated PWUDs and Drug Reformist aresupplementary measures through tailored support programmes in the reintegration into the community.
Before enrolment of PWUDs to Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Programme and pushers to
Balay Silangan Reformatory programme, conduct of thorough assessment is very essential forsustainability of their personal transformation in the community. The tailored support services orprogrammes depend on their need which may include provision of livelihood programmes, theirprioritization on employment in the LGU, providing free education on alternative learning programmes
especially for Out of School Youth, an agent of hope to other surrenderers through volunteerism
against drug involvement, easy access to health care services and involvement of the family andcommunity as well. In this sense, they will be reintegrated well into the community as healthy, normal
and productive individuals of no stigma on illegal drug involvement and not tagging them as “drugaddicts” or pushers or any other involvement in illegal drugs activities.

II. WAY FORWARD OF THE PROGRAMME
Currently, the country has 1,218 remaining unaffected barangays. Its drug affectation drops to 26.47 percent and comprises the 11,129 remaining drug-affected barangays with surrenderers subject for intervention
programmes rather than putting them in jail.
26

Ibid.

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Based on LGU’s noteworthy achievement in the implementation of BDCP, PDEA fervently believes aceaseless effort and answer against drug problems in the society is by putting primacy on the welfare of the“least-cared surrenderers”, the Person Who Uses Drug (PWUDs) preventing them to commit crime andPushers/Drug offenders, preventing them from reoffending in the community treating them humanely as
victims of illegal drugs, through a balanced, holistic, unified, synchronized and integrated collaborative multistakeholder approach in the intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
Also, the agency seeks sturdy support in the sustainable development of the programme from othergovernment/private agencies in the locale and from the international government/Non-Government
Organizations who believe and share the vision of putting primacy and treating humanely these victims ofillegal drugs considered as a global problem.27

27

PDEA Barangay Drug Clearing Program Working group for Monitoring and Validation (PB-WMV) Data as of December
2021.

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