2022 Policy and Research Bulletin

1

Highlights of the 2022 Policy Research Forum Series on Drug Abuse 3
Prevention and Control 8
11
Assessing Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Through 17
Psychological Functioning, Mental Well-being and Life Satisfaction: 22
27
Scales Adaptation and Development
32
Argel B. Masanda and Maria Theresa O. Del Rosario
36
Assessment of the Gaps and Challenges of Psychology 43
Graduates in the Field of Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation:

An Exploratory Study

Dangerous Drugs Board

Multi-site Evaluation of the Katatagan Kontra Droga sa Komunidad as
a Jail-based Rehabilitation Program in Quezon Province

Gino A. Cabrera and Noreen P. Echague

DOH Memorandum No. 2020-0284:
Interim Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control in Drug Abuse

Treatment and Rehabilitation Facilities
Board Regulation No. 13, Series of 2018
Establishment and Institutionalization of Drug-free Workplace Polices
in all Government Offices, Including the Conduct of Authorized Drug
Testing for Elective Officials and Appointive Public Officers and for

Other Purposes
DILG Joint Memorandum Circular No. 13, Series of 2018
Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01: Implementing Guidelines on
the Functionality and Effectiveness of Local Anti-drug Abuse

Councils
Board Regulation No. 7, Series of 2019
Consolidated Revised Rules Governing Access to Treatment and

Rehabilitation Services
About the DDB Policy and Research Bulletin

2

Research is an integral part of the anti-drug campaign as it enables the Board to draft
policies and regulations that are timely and effective. As the lead policymaking and
strategy formulating body on drug prevention and control, the Dangerous Drugs Board
conducted the 2022 Policy and Research Forum Series on Drug Prevention and
Control. It provided an avenue for cooperative research and exchange of information
of research and policies in drug abuse prevention and control.

The policy and research forum series also included network building activities and a
series of symposiums on relevant studies and policies involving different sectors and
institutions.

In compliance with the health protocols during the pandemic, the series of research
symposiums and featured sectoral information sessions utilized the blended platforms.

9601 SECTORS

VIEWERS ENGAGED:

16 • Local Government Units
• Youth Sector
RESEARCHES • Drug Abuse Treatment and
RECEIVED
Rehabilitation Centers
4 • Health Sector
• Law Enforcement Sector
POLICIES • Education Sector
HIGHLIGHTED • Higher Education Institutions

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RESEARCHES
PRESENTED

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Activity Date Participants
Launching of the 2022 Online 11 February 83 participants on Cisco Webex
Policy and Research Forum 2022 with 1117 viewers on Facebook
Series on Drug Abuse 1200 Live composed of students and
Prevention and Control professors from different higher
28 February education institutions,
Featured Research 2022 representatives from different law
Presentation: 588 enforcement agencies and LGUs
Assessing Drug Abuse from Luzon, Visayas and
Treatment and Rehabilitation 20 May 2022 Mindanao
Through Psychological 777
Functioning Well-Being and 59 participants on Cisco Webex
Life Satisfaction: Scales
Adaption and Development with 529 viewers Facebook Live
Featured Policy Forum: DOH
Memorandum No. 2020-064: composed of students and
Interim
Guidelines For Infection professors from different higher
Prevention and Control In Drug
Abuse Treatment and education institutions,
Rehabilitation Facilities
representatives from different law
Featured Policy Forum: Board
Regulation No. 13, Series of enforcement agencies, LGUs,
2018 (Establishment and
Institutionalization of Drug-free health workers from DATRCs
Workplace Policies in all
Government Offices, Including from Luzon, Visayas and
the Conduct of Authorized Drug
Testing for Elective Local Mindanao
Officials and Appointive Public
Officers and for Other Purposes 77 participants from Cisco Webex

with 700 viewers from Facebook

Live composed of faculty from

various higher education

institutions, representatives from

the Commission on Higher

Education, the Department of

Interior and Local Government,

Anti-Drug Abuse Councils from

different LGUs, health workers

from various health institution and

DATRCs from Luzon, Visayas

and Mindanao

4

ASEAN Special Forum Series: 27 May 2022 154 joined via from Cisco Webex
Integrating Media Information 1408
Literacy on Preventive Drug with 1,100 viewers on Facebook
Education Program 7 October
2022 Live composed of anti-drug
Joint Memorandum Circular 1179
No. 2018-01 : Implementing abuse advocates, preventive
Guidelines on the Functionality 21 October
and Effectiveness of Local Anti- 2022 education practitioners, faculty
Drug Abuse Councils 1229
from various higher education
October Featured Research:
Assessment of the Gaps and institutions, representatives from
Challenges of Psychology
Graduates in the Field of Drug the Commission on Higher
Abuse Prevention and Control:
A Policy Review Education, the Department of

Interior and Local Government,

Anti-Drug Abuse Councils,

different LGUs, health workers

from various health institution

and DATRCs from Luzon,

Visayas and Mindanao

79 joined via from Cisco Webex

with 1,100 viewers on Facebook

Live composed of anti-drug abuse

advocates, the Department of

Interior and Local Government,

Anti-Drug Abuse Councils from

different local government units,

and DATRCs from Luzon,

Visayas and Mindanao

One hundred twenty-nine (129)

participants on Cisco Webex with

1,100 viewers on Facebook Live

participated in the October Featured
Research Forum composed of
representatives from national

government agencies, drug

abuse treatment and

rehabilitation workers and

barangay anti-drug abuse

councils

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November Featured Research: 11 November Seventy (70) participants on
Multi-site Evaluation of the 2022 Cisco Webex with 1,000 viewers
Katatagan Kontra Droga sa 1070 on Facebook Live participated in
Komunidad (KKDK) as a Jail- the November Featured
based Drug Rehabilitation 17 November Research Forum.
Program in Quezon Province 2022
One-hundred fifty (150)
November Featured Policy 2150
Forum: Board Regulation No. 7, participants on Cisco Webex with
series of 2019 or the
Consolidated Revised Rules 2,000 viewers on Facebook Live
Governing Access to Treatment
and Rehabilitation Programs participated in the November
and Services and culminating
activities Featured Policy Forum composed

of representatives from national

government agencies, drug

abuse treatment and

rehabilitation workers and

barangay anti-drug abuse

councils.

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BACKGROUND Mega Drug Abuse Treatment and
Rehabilitation Center in Palayan City,
Drug abuse is one of the perennial Nueva Ecija for the test development.
global pandemics since the 1960s, and
persons who use drugs (PWUDs) have The research utilized the Warwick-
been subjected to an array of treatment
courses and rehabilitation efforts. This Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale to
study underscored the adaptation and
development of assessment tools to monitor, evaluate, and investigate the
measure progress among PWUDs
undertaking drug abuse treatment and determinants of mental well-being.
rehabilitation in terms of their mental
well-being, life satisfaction, and overall Cognitive judgments of satisfaction
psychological functioning.
were measured through the Life
The research aims to (1) to develop
assessment tools to measure the Satisfaction Scale, while the
progress of persons who use drugs
(PWUDs) undertaking drug abuse Psychological Functioning
treatment and rehabilitation through
psychological functioning, mental Questionnaire was also used to
wellbeing, and life satisfaction, (2) measure the PWUD’s overall
adapt locally the Life Satisfaction Scale
and Warwick-Edinburgh Wellbeing psychological functioning. Data was
scale and develop a scale that
measures psychological functioning of gathered beginning with the
the PWUDs, and (3) establish the
psychometric properties of the said establishment of a correlation between
scales.
the original and translated scales by
A quantitative descriptive research
design was utilized to investigate randomly selecting 100 college
psychological functioning, mental well-
being, and life satisfaction as variables students and solicitation of consent,
are done through statistical analysis
and sophistication. The study involved collation of the accomplished
100 college students from Central
Luzon State University in Science City questionnaires, and conduct of focused
of Munoz, Nueva Ecija for the test
adaptations while 100 PWUDs from group discussion with selected PWUDs

for psychological functioning scale.

While the internal consistency of the

constructed psychological functioning

scale was established by seeking

permission and defining objectives and

selection of participants,

accomplishment and collation of the

questionnaires.

Data was analyzed through Pearson

production-moment correlation

coefficient to establish the correlation

between the original version and the

translated version of the Life

Satisfaction Scale and Psychological
Wellbeing Scale. Cronbach’s Alpha

reliability statistics was used to

establish the internal consistency of the

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three (3) scales in the study, namely the treatment and rehabilitation as it
Psychological Functioning Scale, consisted of internally reliable items.
Mental Wellbeing Scale and the Life The affective functioning subscale is
Satisfaction Scale.. rated very high based on the reliability
statistics, which indicated that it
FINDINGS consisted of internally consistent items
that measured up the emotional
The findings show that the original functioning relative to the experiences
English-language scale and the Filipino of the drug reformists.
translated version of the Life
Satisfaction Scale, as well as the The behavioral subscale was rated
Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing moderate based on the reliability
Scale, essentially measure the same statistics, which indicated that it
construct as they showed very strong consisted of internally consistent items
correlations. It further indicated that the that can measure the behavioral
Filipino translation of the researcher functioning relative to the experiences
was more or less adequate to what the of the PWUDs. The cognitive
original statements intended. More functioning subscale was rated very
specifically, the original scale was high based on the reliability statistics,
written, and the translated version can which indicated that it consisted of
be said to have fundamentally the same internally consistent items that
level of comprehension among the measured up the cognitive functioning
participants. relative to their experiences.

The Filipino-translated Warwick– CONCLUSION
Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale has
been validated for use among PWUDs 1. Progress on the drug abuse
undergoing drug abuse treatment and treatment and rehabilitation among
rehabilitation with excellent internal PWUDs can proactively be
consistency. It further indicated that the measure by delving into their
translated scale measures its intended overall psychological functioning in
purpose since its components are terms of its affective, behavioral,
internally consistent. Further, the and cognitive domains, sense of
Filipino-translated Life Satisfaction mental wellbeing, and life
Scale's internal consistency was rated satisfaction.
very good, which indicated that the said
scale is a valid measure in assessing 2. The Warwick–Edinburgh Mental
the overall satisfaction in the lives of the Well-being Scale and the Life
PWUDs undergoing drug abuse Satisfaction Scale, which garnered
solid correlations and high-

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reliability indeces, are adapted for
local use here in the Philippines for
use among PWUDs.
3. Similarly, the constructed
Psychological Functioning Scale
with three subscales measuring
affective, behavioral, and cognitive
domains are a reliable measure
among PWUDs for the purposes of
drug abuse treatment and
rehabilitation.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Utilize the three scales for PWUDs in a DATRC setting to assess related programs
that aim to measure their improvement along their recovery process against drug
addiction.

2. Subject the three scales to a more in-depth statistical analysis and sophistication
to further improve its psychometric properties.

3. Explore the possible utility of the three adapted and developed scales among
PWUDs advocating the same changes in a community-based setting.the existing
policies on treatment and rehabilitation to be more responsive to the needs of the
clients.

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BACKGROUND

The practice of psychology as defined drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation
and provide an overview of the
by Republic Act (RA ) No. 10029 experiences of psychology graduates in
drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation
(Philippine Psychology Act of 2009), in terms of their (1) nature of work, (2)
compensation, (3) training needs, and
involves the delivery of psychological (4) gaps and challenges encountered.

services with the application of This research employed the collection
and analysis of quantitative and
psychological principles and qualitative data. For the quantitative, a
descriptive survey design was utilized
procedures, including psychological to generate the needed data based on
the participants' inputs from the
interventions, psychological developed online survey form.

assessment, and programs. RA 10029 Thematic analysis generated from the
interview transcripts in the conducted
requires psychologists to hold a online key interviews with selected
master’s degree in psychology and a respondents was employed to extract
the lived experiences of psychology
psychologist license. practitioners in DATRCs. The research
utilized a purposive sampling technique
These standards eventually align with involving 112 workers in drug abuse
the qualification standards of treatment and rehabilitation centers in
Psychologist I, II, and III items with the the National Capital Region (NCR),
issuance of Civil Service Commission Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as well
(CSC) Resolution No. 1900562 and as key informant interviews from 6 (six)
CSC Memorandum Circular No. 14, Drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation
Series of 2019. centers (DATRCs).

With the existing government positions
in psychology, and the value of the
psychology practice in treatment and
rehabilitation, this research aims to
assess the gaps and challenges of
psychology graduates in drug abuse
treatment and rehabilitation centers.
Specifically, this study sought to
provide a demographic profile of
Psychology graduates in the field of

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FINDINGS

1. The psychology graduates in performing psychology-related
work with a Salary Grade of 2.
the field of drug abuse treatment

and rehabilitation in diverse

fields, with the majority engaged 4. All participants shared that the
existing compensation for the
in health and related clinical Psychologist I, II, and III is not
commensurate with the
practices, other graduates are in educational, licensure, and
experience requirements for the
the field of education, training, position.

and development, as well as

human resource and

administrative management.

They mostly come from the

young adulthood age group, 5. All participants shared that the
starting entry-level salary grade
with more female than male of the Psychologist I item is S.G.
16, followed by S.G. 18 for
workers. Most of them have Psychologist II and S.G. 21 for
Psychologist III, considering the
been working in their respective level of experience, training,
and academic requirements,
work for at least five (5) years, and credentials entailed for the
profession. The compensation
while a number of them have for the Psychologist Items
should be at par with the
been doing psychology-related government positions requiring
post-graduate studies as part of
work for more than ten (10) its minimum academic
qualifications.
years.

2. Most of them work as regular 6. Participants identified their need
employees while a number of
them work as job order and
contract of service personnel,
with most in the staff level of
work. There are also workers
handling supervisory and
middle management positions.

for training on psychological

3. Most graduates work as Health interventions, skills training in

Program Officers, and several case management, and

participants are working as knowledge advancement

Psychologists, mostly programs. Training in

occupying Psychologist II Psychological Intervention such

positions with Salary Grades 11 as therapy and counseling

and 15. There are also some techniques, motivational

workers in the private sector interviewing, and therapeutic

communities. Case

12

Management skills training 9. The demands of psychology-
related functions in dealing with
which includes conducting clients, reports, and provision of
interventions provide a constant
psychological assessment and risk of exposure to hazardous
situations among workers
testing, managing clients such performing psychology-related
work.
as specific training on handling

trauma-related clients, and

handling clients with an adverse

traumatic experience.

Knowledge advancement

programs which include support 10. Participants also identified the

mechanisms to increase gaps in the qualification and

accessibility to these programs compensation, Lack of support

or provide Government-funded for career advancement, and

training that contributes to the Exposure to risk as part of the

workers' continuing professional gaps and challenges

development. encountered by psychology

graduates working in drug

7. Participants also identified the abuse treatment and

gaps in the qualification and rehabilitation.

compensation, Lack of support

for career advancement, and 11. While respondents shared that
while their centers provide
Exposure to risk as part of the support in terms of allowances,
transportation, or work
gaps and challenges adjustment schedules, these
training opportunities are
encountered by psychology usually costly and often
shouldered in their capacity,
graduates working in drug particularly certification training
or programs with entail points in
abuse treatment and the continuing professional
development requirements.
rehabilitation.

8. All participants identified the
gaps with the high qualification
standards of the Psychologist
position, given the required
bachelor's and master's degree,
along with a license in
Psychology, and its low
compensation given that the
salary grade of the Psychologist
item is commensurate with
other government positions that
only require a bachelors degree.

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12. All participants identified the other government positions that
gaps with the high qualification only require a bachelors degree.
standards of the Psychologist
position, given the required 13. The demands of psychology-
bachelor's and master's degree, related functions in dealing with
along with a license in clients, reports, and provision of
Psychology, and its low interventions provide a constant
compensation given that the risk of exposure to hazardous
salary grade of the Psychologist situations among workers
item is commensurate with performing psychology-related
work

CONCLUSION

1. From the analysis of the critical contract of service personnel,
with most in the staff level of
findings generated by the online work. There are also workers
handling supervisory and middle
survey form and the conducted management positions.

key informant interview, the

psychology graduates in the field

of drug abuse treatment and

rehabilitation in diverse fields, 3. Most graduates work as Health
Program Officers, and several
with the majority engaged in participants are working as
Psychologists, mostly occupying
health and related clinical Psychologist II positions with
Salary Grades 11 and 15. There
practices, other graduates are in are also some workers in the
private sector performing
the field of education, training, psychology-related work with a
Salary Grade of 2.
and development, as well as

human resource and

administrative management.

They mostly come from the

young adulthood age group, with

more female than male workers.

Most of them have been working 3. They primarily handle

in their respective work for at persons who use drugs in

least five (5) years, while a outpatient programs, with

number of them have been doing several clients in the

psychology-related work for inpatient and aftercare

more than ten (10) years. services, performing case

management and therapy,

2. Most of them work as regular psychological assessment,
employees while a number of
them work as job order and program formulation and

facilitation, and

14

administrative work. Most standards for the Psychology items
should be at par with the other
participants received government positions requiring a
master's degree and licenses.
therapeutic approaches
6. Participants identified their need for
training, but many workers training on psychological
interventions, skills training in case
still have not received any management, and knowledge
advancement programs. They have
psychology-related training. also identified the gaps in the
qualification and compensation,
5. Psychology graduates work in drug Lack of support for career
abuse treatment and rehabilitation advancement, and Exposure to risk
centers in case management, as part of the gaps and challenges
facilitation of psychological encountered by psychology
interventions, and administrative graduates working in drug abuse
work. All participants shared that treatment and rehabilitation.
the existing compensation for the
Psychologist I, II, and III is not
commensurate with the educational,
licensure, and experience
requirements for the position. They
also viewed that the qualification

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Psychology practitioners 2. Given the high qualification

perform vital functions in drug standards for the psychologist

abuse treatment, rehabilitation positions, the entailed tasks and

centers, and government their risks, and the rising cost of

sectors. Like all health care living, consider implementing

practitioners, they are essential Salary Grade 16 as the entry-

in providing quality interventions level Salary for Psychology I,

and health services to clients followed by S.G. 18 for

and performing psychology- Psychologist II and S.G. 21 for

related tasks in government Psychologist III. While the

agencies. There is a need to recommended salary grades are

review and enhance RA 10029 still not comparable to the

and to include provisions on Psychologist Professions

salary and compensation to abroad, considering the level of

ensure that it is at par with the experience, training, academic

government positions that requirements, and credentials

require a master's degree and entailed for the profession, this

professional licenses. could serve as the benchmark

for the minimum pay for all

15

Psychology practitioners, treatment and rehabilitation

including those working in centers to include specialized

private facilities. topics related to psychological

intervention, testing,

3. Consider standardizing the assessment, case
salary grades of the
psychometricians as part of the management, and evaluation
enhancements in the provisions
under RA 10029. .

7. Scale up the existing policies on

the protection and security of

health workers, which include

4. Consider establishing an psychology practitioners, to
accreditation system among
workers in drug abuse treatment include the provision of
and rehabilitation centers to be
authorized to conduct adequate compensation and
psychology-related functions in
drug abuse, treatment, and benefits, improved working
rehabilitation.
conditions, and improvement of

the welfare of psychology-

related workers, given that their

work entails many risks.

5. Provide more training 8. Enhance the existing curriculum
on psychology to make it more
opportunities on case responsive and aligned to trends
and demands of psychology
management, psychological practice in the government
setting.
interventions, and knowledge

advancement programs.

Subsidize continuing

professional development

programs to enable more 9. Other researchers may consider
conducting further studies on the
practitioners in the field of demographic profile of
psychology practitioners in the
psychology to enhance their Government and private sectors.

skills.

6. Enhance the training programs
implemented by drug abuse

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BACKGROUND In most countries, including the
Philippines, majority of the commonly
The Katatagan Kontra Droga sa used treatment approaches either have
Komunidad Program was a community- not been evaluated or continue to be
based drug intervention embarked on used despite little research evidence on
the local context and cultural adaptation their effectiveness.
of the existing evidence-based
programs using the Map of Adaptation The KKDK program, although it has
Process (MAP) that include (1) (1) been pilot tested as a community-
assessment of needs and risk factors, based outpatient drug treatment
(2) designing the intervention based on program in one city in NCR, authors still
cultural and contextual nuances, (3) suggested that there is still a need for a
training of facilitators and pre-testing of robust evaluation of its effectiveness.
materials, (4) pilot-testing, and (5)
implementation and continuous A comprehensive program evaluation
evaluation. After its pilot testing, the of the adaptation of the KKDK program
said program was adapted by and as a facility-based drug treatment
implemented in most cities in the program in BJMP facilities is still
National Capital Region (NCR) and needed. With this, the study was
other localities in nearby provinces. designed as a multi-site evaluation of
the adaptation of the Katatagan Kontra
KKDK, although it was initially designed Droga sa Komunidad (KKDK) as a jail-
based drug rehabilitation program in
as a community-based drug some BJMP facilities in Quezon
Province. The evaluation was framed
rehabilitation program, was and anchored using the Context-Input-
Process-Product (CIPP) model.
implemented in the facilities of the
FINDINGS
Bureau of Jail Management and
From the comparison of the participants’
Penology (BJMP) as their facility- or characteristics before and after the
KKDK program, the participants before
institution-based rehabilitation program the KKDK were disobedient and lack
self-control, heavily influence by their
to further strengthen the restoration of peers and reliant on drugs to cope with
their family-rooted problems, poor self-
persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), and esteem and self-confidence and with
family conflict, short-tempered and trill-
remain to be their main intervention seeking, shy and resistant. Whereas,
program under BJMP’s aftercare after the KKDK, participants were found

services which which aims to prepare 17

PDLs with substance use disorder for

their successful return to the community.
It was once used as the institution’s pre-

release intervention. Currently, it

serves as one of its development and

welfare programs for PDLs involved in

drug-related cases.

to have realization and a strong desire officers have noted a number of
to change, cognitive behavioral challenges they encountered
practices, impulse control, desire for throughout the program's
family reconciliation and spiritual implementation. They encountered
connection, and actively practicing resistant participants, making it difficult
positive behaviors. for the facilitators to delve further into
their psychological concerns. Similarly,
The Jail Officers’ assessment of the family support is another important
resources of the KKDK program reflect factor in any rehabilitation process.
staff problems due to multiple Because KKDK contains a number of
designation of most of the welfare and family modules, the lack of this type of
development officers and KKDK support may jeopardize the program's
facilitators, more organized training success.
organized by BJMP, the need for
conducive venue facilities due to jail The facility itself is another element
congestion, and the need for budgetary connected to jail-related factor. The
support. majority, if not all, of the jails, lack ideal
venues for group process activities and
The program implementation, as counseling, which are the core
evaluated by KKDK completers, was techniques of KKDK. Meanwhile, the
found to have completely attained its facilitators listed some of the issues that
objectives in each of its component concern them. The first is that most of
modules. In terms of treatment them have no background in behavioral
progress while enrolled in the program, sciences. Because criminology
participants reported that their graduates have a natural tendency
participation and satisfaction as well as toward jail management, they lack
the facilitator's rapport, peer support proper training in handling behavioral
and social support were all highly and psychological difficulties that are
evident. The legal recognition of the critical in conducting a drug addiction
KKDK program as a valid rehabilitation treatment program. Furthermore, the
program increased the PDLs' facilitators' numerous duties divert their
motivation to take it seriously and attention away from the program's
actively participate in the rehabilitation implementation. Due to other
process. obligations, they are forced to postpone,
if not compress, the majority of the
Despite being seen as successful and modules, sacrificing the program's
effective, the implementation of KKDK original design.
in jails was not without difficulties. The
first is the stigma and prejudice that There has also been a scarcity of
persons who use drugs (PWUDs) facilitators as a result of BJMP's
frequently face. Aside from that, jail adaptation of the lockdown mechanism

18

in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION
Jail officers who assisted the KKDK
specified their own criteria for In conclusion, KKDK as a jail-based
determining the program's rehabilitation program is an effective
effectiveness. The most popular and treatment approach for PDLs with drug-
practical method is to enhance their related cases in the five BJMP facilities
assessment scores. The KKDK that piloted the said program in Quezon
modules contain proposed assessment province. Its effectiveness is marked
tools for determining drug dependency, with the completers’ absence cravings
situational confidence, coping skills, for drugs, improved coping strategies,
stress level, and well-being. Another and behavioral and attitudinal change.
important sign is an improvement in the Apparent among the program
PDL's behavior as the program completers are cognitive-behavioral
continues. The facilitators observed practices, impulse control, spiritual and
that at first, PDLs are hesitant to attend social connection, strong desire for
the program, but later on, they family reconciliation, and successful
spontaneously acquire a willingness to community reintegration.
join the sessions, indicating a level of
interest in the program and intrinsic All of these are identified outcomes of
drive to undertake rehabilitation. the program which they actively
practice to combat the occurrence of
Behavioral and attitudinal relapse. Both the KKDK completers and
improvements are two of the most the jail personnel gave favorable
visible results of rehabilitation, and they impressions about the implementation
are equally true for KKDK. They now of this jail-based program in most of its
feel accountable for their behavior and facets. The factors that contributed to
the duties that have been allocated to the success of the program include its
them. They become more self- design and approach, the controlled
motivated, which leads to more goal- setting within the BJMP facilities, social
oriented actions. Some of them grew support, and the legal merits of the
more candid as they openly shared the program, whereas the barriers to
ill effects of drug addiction and became effective program implementation are
advocates for drug use prevention. the stigma and discrimination to
Finally, the strongest indicator of PWUDs, absence of family support,
complete rehabilitation is absolute and the resistance of some PDLs.
abstinence from drug use, no relapse, However, it can still be enhanced
and the lack of drug cravings. A KKDK through provisions of more budget,
completer, motivated by a strong sense conducive venue, and well-trained full-
of self-control, looks forward to a time facilitators who can keep track of
successful community reintegration the clients’ treatment progress.
and a happy family reunification.
19

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Formulate a more structured policy for better implementation of the program
2. Include an after-care program during the completers’ pre-release and

community reintegration phases
3. Livelihood trainings, employment referrals, and industry linkages may also be

included by the BJMP in conjunction to this program to ensure more stable
income and reduced tendencies for relapse among the completers
4. Use the assessment tools of the KKDK program to have continuous feedback
and evaluation mechanisms

20

21

BACKGROUND SALIENT PROVISIONS

The Corona Virus Disease 2019 All Drug Abuse Treatment and
(COVID-19) has been spreading Rehabilitation Facilities shall comply
throughout the world. This carries an with National Standards in Infection
additional threat of severe morbidity to Prevention and Control for Healthcare
those with comorbid medical conditions Facilities (DOH-AO 2016-0002) to
including People Who Use Drugs mitigate the risk of transmission of
(PWUD). COVID-19

Group therapies and Family activities Implement engineering, environmental,
increase the risk of viral spread, and administrative controls to enhance
especially in closed institutions such as infection prevention and control
Drug Abuse Treatment and measures following the guidelines set
Rehabilitation Centers (DATRCs). by DM 2020- 0208.

OBJECTIVES Encourage the use of telemedicine or
telehealth to deliver services to the
To ensure the health and safety of facility when applicable.
PWUDs and HCWs against infections
including COVID-19 Disease in the All Residential (Inpatient) Drug Abuse
treatment and management of PWUDs. Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers
shall establish a quarantine facility
SCOPE AND COVERAGE within its facility in accordance with the
guidelines on space/infrastructure set
These guidelines shall cover: all Drug by DM 2020-0123 or link with existing
Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Local Government Unit or National
Facilities (DATRFs), including, but not Government Agency run Temporary
limited to: Treatment and Monitoring Facility
Drug Abuse Treatment and (TTMF).
Rehabilitation Centers (DATRC),
Outpatient Drug Rehabilitation Centers, All Issuances cited in this policy can be
After Care Programs, and a referred to in ANNEX A.
Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation
Programs (CBDRP) All Drug Abuse Treatment and
Rehabilitation Facilities must employ
the following strategies:

1. Establish/institutionalize an Infection
Prevention and Control program
under the supervision of an

22

Infection Prevention and Control 4. Provide Administrative Controls as
Committee (ICC), Infection Control follows:
Team, or an IPC Focal Person.
Functions of which are listed in AO a) Create and implement policies
2016-0002 and DC 2020-0181. and protocols related but not
limited to the following:
2. Ensure the following services are
provided: 1. Visiting protocols and
screening requirements prior
a) DDE may be conducted via to entry into the facility.
telemedicine with the option to
perform face-to-face as needed. 2. Risk-Based Assessment and
Management of Exposure,
b) Develop a Tele-health based duty schedules, sick leaves,
treatment capability or partner and reporting of symptoms, if
with other treatment programs. there are any.

c) Establish a referral system to a 3. Accommodation arrangement
hospital or a higher-level facility and transportation for
for drug abuse medical healthcare workers
emergencies
4. Patient transfer/ referral.
3. Establish Engineering Controls
within the facility as follows : b) All entrants to facilities, whether
a) Have a dedicated space for patients, visitors, HCW, and
triaging patients prior to their support staff must be pre-
admission, following infection, screened through telephone or
prevention and control other means of communication,
protocols. for symptoms of COVID-19,
b) Increase natural ventilation or travel history, and contact with
dilution ventilation and hygiene anyone who tested positive or
facilities in areas where there is suspected to have COVID- 19.
a risk for infection.
c) Establish video conferencing c) Active temperature and
equipment and facilities symptoms check of patients,
d) Establish hand hygiene facilities visitors, healthcare workers and
in strategic locations support staff must be done prior
to entry into the facility.

d) Personal information collected
shall be kept private and
confidential in accordance with
R.A. 9165 Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002
and R.A. 10173 Data Privacy Act
of 2012.

23

e) Only patients, HCW, support staff, d) All HCWs and support staff must
and essential guests or family undergo training and/or review of
members are allowed to enter Infection Prevention and Control
the facility. and healthcare worker safety
protocols covered in DM 2020-
f) All individuals coming from a 0208.
quarantine area or areas where
there is community spread are e) DATRC Facility Managers or
not allowed to enter the facility. Resident Engineers or equivalent
HCWs and patients who are for personnel must be familiarized with
assessment or who are qualified the use of the Infection Prevention
for admission are allowed to and Control Assessment Form.
enter the facility
f) All HCWs must undergo regular
g) Physical distancing of at least one COVID-19 Test following the
(1) meter should be prevailing policy on expanded
implemented at all times. testing.

5. Establish Environmental Controls as B. All Residential DATRC must comply to
follows: the following strategies:

a) Regular environmental cleaning 1. Infrastructure-related intervention.
and disinfection according to a) Dedicate a space or area for
DOH protocols must be done to quarantine within the facility
minimize risk of infection. following the standards for space
as prescribed in DM 2020-0123.
b) Proper waste management must b) Establish hand hygiene facilities.
be practiced at all times in c) Establish online communication
accordance with DM 2020-0170. facilities to minimize face-to-face
therapeutic activities.
6. Ensure Patient and Health Worker d) Laboratories within DATRCs may
Safety through the following develop capability for Swabbing
mechanisms: or Rapid Antibody Testing for
COVID-19 for surveillance
a) All patients and visitors must wear purposes.
facemasks while in the facility.
2. Ensure the following mechanisms
b) All HCW and support staff must are in place prior to Admission:
follow proper and rational use of
PPE based on DM 2020-0176. a) All patients must undergo a
complete medical examination
c) Utilize the WHO Interim Guidelines including examination for COVID-
for Health Workers Exposure Risk 19 Disease, according to
Assessment based on DC 2020-
0106.

24

prevailing algorithms and in all areas in drug rehabilitation
guidelines. facilities.
b) Laboratory testing for COVID-19 f) Adequate hand hygiene facilities,
and other ancillary tests may be facilities-wide and at point of care,
required by the DATRC as may be continuous supply of soap and
deemed necessary by the alcohol-based hand rub; visual aids
examining / admitting Physician for hand hygiene.
c) Asymptomatic patients or patients g) Standard and empirical precautions
with mild COVID-19 symptoms are adhered as set by DM 2020-
may be admitted in the DATRC 0072.
quarantine facility, if available.
4. Handling COVID-19 Suspect Cases in
2. Ensure the following mechanisms are in
place prior to Admission the Facility
a) Patients who manifest with
moderate or severe symptoms a) Patients and HCWs who manifest
and signs of COVID-19 must be
triaged to an appropriate medical with signs and symptoms of Covid-
facility for management.
b) Patients who cannot be 19 Disease or any infectious
immediately admitted must be
referred to an appropriate facility disease, must immediately undergo
for evaluation and management.
c) Upon admission, all patients must isolation and a thorough medical
undergo quarantine for 14 days
prior to transfer to the main evaluation including the
dormitories.
appropriate laboratory examination.
3. Follow protocols on Patient Placement /
Accommodation b) If a patient, HCW, support staff or
a) A therapeutic environment must
be maintained at all times. guest in the facility is tested
b) Confidentiality and privacy must
be maintained at all times. positive for COVID- 19 a referral to
c) Maximizing PWUDs’ comfort and
dignity while ensuring ease of the appropriate government
delivery of patient care.
d) Minimizing the risk of transmission agency must be undertaken for
e) Adequate ventilation and
adequate environmental cleaning contact tracing.

c) Patients and HCWs that are

exposed to a suspect Covid-19

case must undergo medical

examination, medical monitoring

and undergo appropriate laboratory

tests.

d) If appropriate, the patient or HCW

maybe triaged/referred to a more

appropriate medical facility.

25

All Drug Abuse Outpatient 2. Staff assigned to outpatient,
Rehabilitation Center, After-Care aftercare or CBDRP must minimize
Program and Community Based Drug or avoid conducting Residential
Rehabilitation Program may employ the (Inpatient) drug rehabilitation
following strategies: activities and programs to prevent
cross contamination.
1. Drug Abuse Treatment and
Rehabilitation Facilities may Developments:
conduct activities outside the
centers, if feasible, provided that The Department of Health issued
the venue is compliant with the Department of Health Memorandum
mandatory infection prevention and 2020-042 which provides the
control protocols and measures are supplemental guidelines for IPC
available and are strictly practiced. measures within DATRCs for the
further protection of PWUDs and Health
Care Workers (HCW).

26

BACKGROUND state and local universities and colleges,
and elective local officials of local
This Regulation aims to promote the government units.
establishment and institutionalization of
drug – free workplace policies in all Officers and members of the military,
government agencies and ensure that police, and other law enforcement
all public officers, both elective and agencies who are required to undergo
appointive, remain drug free through annual mandatory drug testing
the conduct of authorized drug testing pursuant to the Act are excluded from
pursuant to RA No. 9165 or the the coverage of this Regulation. Any
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act personnel found positive for use of
of 2002, as amended (the “Act”). The dangerous drugs after the conduct of a
public will be ensured of effective and confirmatory test shall be subjected to
efficient service from the government, disciplinary / administrative
free from the ill–effects of drug use in proceedings with a penalty of dismissal
the workplace. from the service at first offense.

OBJECTIVES SALIENT PROVISIONS

This Regulation aims to promote the Responsibility of the Government
establishment and institutionalization of Agency Under the Drug–Free
drug – free workplace policies in all Workplace
government agencies and ensure that Policy
all public officers, both elective and
appointive, remain drug free through a. The Head of Agency shall ensure the
the conduct of authorized drug testing adoption and implementation of a
pursuant to RA No. 9165 or the continuing and sustainable
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act substance abuse awareness and
of 2002, as amended (the “Act”). The prevention program and inform all
public will be ensured of effective and officials and employees about the
efficient service from the government, following:
free from the ill–effects of drug use in i. the Drug–Free Workplace Policy of
the workplace. the Agency and distribution of
copies thereof to each employee;
SCOPE AND COVERAGE ii. the medical and social risks
associated with drug use;
This Regulation shall cover all iii. the administrative and criminal
appointive public officers in all offices, sanctions with respect to drug use
including all constitutional bodies, and violations of the Act; and
departments, bureaus, and agencies of iv. the availability of the Employee
the national government, government– Assistance Program.
owned and controlled corporations,
27

b. The Drug–Free Workplace Policy for public officers requiring the
shall provide for the responsibilities same as mandated under this
of the Agency which are as follows: Regulation. The Assessment Team
i. Maintain a drug–free workplace; shall be actively involved in the
ii. Conduct of substance abuse implementation of the Employee
awareness and prevention Assistance Program.
programs;
iii. Conduct of mandatory and Pre–Employment Drug Testing
random drug testing; and Mandatory drug testing shall remain a
iv. Ensure adequate funding for the requirement for initial entry to
implementation of the Drug– government service. Any applicant
Free Workplace Policy. found positive for drug use shall be
denied entry to government service.
c. The Head of Agency shall ensure the
creation of a Drug–Free Workplace Guidelines in the Conduct of
Committee composed of members Authorized Drug Testing
of the management, rank and file
employees, and the employees’ a. The Drug–Free Workplace Policy of
union. The Committee shall assist the Agency shall include the
the Head of Agency in drafting and conduct of authorized drug testing,
implementing the provisions of the the purpose of which is to prevent
Drug–Free Workplace Policy. the entry of dangerous drugs in
government offices and use of
d. The Committee shall create an dangerous drugs among personnel
Assessment Team (“Team”) thereof. The frequency of such
composed of personnel with testing, which shall be conducted in
educational and training a random manner, shall take into
backgrounds on medicine, consideration, among others, the
psychology, social work, and number of public officers, nature of
human resources administration. work being discharged, funding,
The Team shall assist in the and other logistics.
conduct of substance abuse
awareness and prevention Contract of Service or Job Order
programs. The agency or local employees shall be subject to the
government unit shall ensure that conduct of authorized drug testing,
members of the Team undergo which shall also be reflected in the
regular training. Drug–Free Workplace Policy of the
government office. All results of
e. The Head of Agency shall ensure the authorized drug testing activities
creation of a sustainable Employee shall be strictly confidential. Only
Assistance Program which shall the Head of Agency or the Local
provide resources for and/or
referrals to medical interventions 28

Chief Executive, as the case may attached to the 201 File of all officials
be, and the members of the and employees.
Assessment Team shall have
access to such results. Employee Assistance Program

b. Authorized drug testing shall be A public officer, prior to the conduct of
conducted only by a drug testing authorized drug testing, may seek
laboratory accredited by the DOH. proper intervention in coordination with
the Employee Assistance Program,
c. In case of negative drug test result, which shall provide referrals and
no further action is needed. additional services to the public officer
concerned. A drug dependency
d. A positive drug test result from the examination shall be conducted in
confirmatory test shall immediately order to determine the level of
be known to the Head of Agency, Substance Use Disorder and the
who shall notify the public officer applicable intervention.
concerned. The public officer shall
have fifteen (15) days from receipt Sanctions
of notice to challenge the result of
the confirmatory test. Using the The Head of Agency or Local Chief
same specimen, a challenge test Executive (Provincial, City, Municipal,
shall be conducted by a drug and Barangay) who fails to formulate or
testing laboratory accredited by the implement a Drug–Free Workplace
DOH. All expenses incurred in the Policy within two (2) months after
conduct of the challenge test shall effectivity of this Regulation shall be
be borne by the concerned public penalized under Section 32, Article II of
officer. the Act.1 The Philippine Drug
Enforcement Agency (“PDEA”) shall
e. A positive drug test result from the cause the filing of cases and coordinate
challenge test is deemed final and with the government agency or local
the public officer shall be subjected government unit concerned for the
to administrative proceedings. proper and effective prosecution of the
Failure to file a challenge within the same.
prescribed period shall make the
positive drug test result from the b. An appointive public officer who
confirmatory drug test final. The refuses, without any valid reason, to
Agency shall then take the submit himself/herself to authorized
appropriate action. drug testing, or is found positive for
drug use after the conduct of a
All drug test results and records shall confirmatory test in an authorized
strictly be held confidential, and shall be drug testing activity shall be charged

29

with the administrative offense of f. The Philippine Drug Enforcement
Grave Misconduct. Agency shall cause the filing of
cases for the national government
c. Any elective public officer who agencies while the Department of
refuses, without any valid reason, to Interior and Local Government shall
submit himself/herself to authorized cause the filing of cases for the local
drug testing, or is found positive for government units concerned.
drug use after the conduct of a
confirmatory test in an authorized Responsibilities of Agencies
drug testing activity shall be subject
to disciplinary action for misconduct2 All government agencies are required
in office3 pursuant to Section 60 of to submit their respective drug–free
the Local Government Code and workplace programs and reports to the
Article 124 (3) of the Implementing Dangerous Drugs Board (“DDB”), such
Rules and Regulations of the Local as but not limited to:
Government Code.
i. number of officials and employees
d. Any public officer found to have subject to drug testing;
tampered the result of a drug test,
interfered with the conduct of the ii. those found positive for drug use; and
drug test or in the release of drug test
results, or violated rules of iii. action undertaken by the Committee
confidentiality of records shall be on those found positive for drug use.
charged with the administrative Local government units shall submit
offense of Grave Misconduct without such reports to the DDB and
prejudice to the filing of a case for Department of Interior and Local
violation of Section 32, Article II of Government (“DILG”).
the Act.
b. The DOH shall conduct trainings
e. Any public officer who violated the leading to the accreditation of
provisions of Article II of the Act shall government physicians which
be charged with the administrative shall authorize them to conduct
offense of Grave Misconduct or face drug dependency examination.
disciplinary sanction under Section
60 of the Local Government Code, c. The DILG and PDEA shall cause
as the case may be, without wide dissemination of this
prejudice to the filing of criminal Regulation among local
charges under the Act and other government units, from the
relevant laws. provincial down to the barangay
levels, and their respective anti–
drug abuse councils.

30

d. All local Sanggunians shall enact Confidentiality
their respective Ordinances
mandating the establishment of Any person who, having official custody
drug–free workplace policies or access to all data and information
within two (2) months from the relative to the conduct of the authorized
effectivity of this Regulation. The drug testing, or anyone who, having
Sangguniang Panlalawigan shall gained possession of such data and
enact a Provincial Ordinance information, reveals their content to any
mandating the establishment of person not authorized to have access
drug– free workplace policies in thereto, shall be prosecuted for
cities and municipalities under its violation of Section 32, Article II of the
jurisdiction. The Sangguniang Act.
Panlungsod and Sangguniang
Bayan shall also enact their Funding
respective ordinances mandating
the establishment of drug–free Government agencies and local
workplace policies in barangays. government units shall ensure annual
Failure to enact such Ordinance funding for the implementation of this
shall be cause for sanctions Regulation in their respective budgets
against responsible officials pursuant to the Philippine Anti–Illegal
pursuant to Section 60 of the Drugs Strategy. Funds may also be
Local Government Code without sourced from allocated budget for
prejudice to the filing of a case for employee health and wellness.
violation of Section 32, Article II of
the Act.

31

BACKGROUND • Appropriate substantial amount of

Local Anti-Drug Abuse funds anti-illegal drug initiatives

Councils(“ADACs”) have a critical role • Higher ADACs may provide funds

in the coordination and proper to BADACs

monitoring of drug-related incidents. • Enact a supplementary Ordinance

This entails cohesion of policies for the to the Comprehensive Dangerous

inter-local government roles which can Act of 2002

provide an enabling environment for • Establish a Drug Abuse

functional and effective ADACs. This Rehabilitation Center and

further requires structural consistency implement Community-Based

and a comprehensive monitoring and Rehabilitation Program for drug

reporting system. surrenderers* and drug

personalities*

OBJECTIVES • Coordinate with government

• Set the minimum standard agencies and NGOs for the
functionality and effectiveness of
local anti-drug abuse councils that provision of livelihood and training
covers all provinces, cities,
municipalities, and barangays programs to PWUD*

• Harmonize the inter-operability of • Provide assistance to indigent
all ADACs at all levels
PWUDs
• Set performance indicators of a
functional ADAC as a • Designate two (2) focal persons,
measurement of effectiveness in
support to the reduction of drug who are members of the C/MADAC
affectation.
for the ADAC Reporting System
• Systematize an effective ADAC
monitoring and reporting (ADAC-RS)*
mechanism
• For provinces and HUCs, establish

Special Drug Education Centers

(SDECs)* for out-of-school youth

and street children

SALIENT PROVISIONS Responsibilities of Barangay Anti-
drug Abuse Councils:
Responsibilities of Local • Create a BADAC Plan of Action
Government Units • Organize BADAC Auxiliary Team
• Ensure the functionality of the local • Equip Barangay Tanods and

ADAC BADAC Auxiliary Team on their
• Approve Local Anti-Drug Plan of roles and functions
• Identify drug-affected places within
Action respective barangays and
immediately report to the PNP or
PDEA
• Determine and maintain record of
the names and other pertinent

32

information of residents; and the inventory of seized drugs and
paraphernalia as witness
monitor drug-related • Submit all monthly, annual, and
fund utilization reports to C/M
incidents/cases ADAC* (annual and fund utilization,
copy furnished the higher Peace
• The BADAC, through its and Order Council and the DILG
Field Office)
chairperson, shall consolidate all • Submit the reports on the
implementation of the BADAC Plan
information gathered from all of Action*

sources, related to any illegal drug Responsibilities and City and
Municipality Anti-drug Abuse
activities within the barangay, to Councils
• C/MADAC Chairperson shall attest
include names of users/peddlers,
the certification declaring the “drug
marijuana cultivation, clandestine – cleared” status of an affected
barangay*, certified by the Local
drug laboratories, and submit Chief of Police and validated by the
PDEA Regional Director
immediately to C/M ADAC and local • Monitor the BADAC and BAT’s
names, address and other
PNP for validation and formulation significant details (copy furnished
DILG Field Office)
of watchlist • Receive the consolidated
information report from BADAC
• Establish a Barangay Chair
• Review the consolidated reports* of
Rehabilitation and Referral Desk cluster leaders for final
consolidation and submission to
(BADAC Desk) PDEA
• C/MADAC Chairperson shall attest
• Assist PWUD who surrendered to the certification declaring the “drug
– cleared” status of an affected
Barangay Rehabilitation and barangay*, certified by the Local
Chief of Police and validated by the
Referral Desk and refer to C/M PDEA Regional Director
• Monitor the BADAC and BAT’s
ADAC and other institutions for names, address and other

appropriate action

• Monitor individuals who are

undertaking Community-Based

Rehabilitation Treatment

• Conduct regular and consultative

meetings at least once a month*

• Formulate prevention education

programs*, using funds which shall

be derived from the Local School

Board and other available sources

• Conduct an Information Education

Campaign (IEC)* on illegal drug

demand reduction

• Extend assistance to law

enforcement agencies during the

conduct of anti-drug operations.

The BADAC Chairperson or any

elected official present during the

anti-drug operations should sign

33

significant details (copy furnished

DILG Field Office) Responsibilities of Provincial Anti-
drug Abuse Councils
• Receive the consolidated • Ensure the formulation of PADAC

information report from BADAC Action Plan that contains the PPAs
identified in the Municipal and City
Chair ADAC Action Plans (Organize
PADAC Drug Reformation
• Review the consolidated reports of Committee and adopt the Program
of Instructions for Drug
cluster leaders for final Reformation Program*)
• Approve substantial amount of
consolidation and submission to budget
• Ensure the functionality of the lower
PDEA ADACs
• Conduct of regular meetings once a
• Ensure that PWUDs who month
• Analyze and review reports
surrendered shall undergo submitted by CADAC/MADAC
Secretariat
screening* in order to determine the • Submit all collated quarterly reports
to the RPOC Secretariat not later
level of risk and/or morbidities and than the 15th day of the ensuing
quarter, copy furnished the
refer them to the appropriate Provincial Peace and Order
Council and the DILG Provincial
intervention Office
• Ensure the establishment and
• Designate certain personnel as the operation of the Special Drug
Education Center for out of school
authorized representatives of the youth (OSY) and street children
• Provide support for the
DDB who shall cause the operationalization of the
Community-Based Rehabilitation
processing and filing of petitions for Program at the Municipality and
Component Cities
confinement of drug dependents
34
and PWUD

• Organize the CADAC/MADAC

Drug Reformation Committee and

adopt the Program of Instructions

for Drug Reformation Program

• Provide for the Community-Based

Rehabilitation Program

• Conduct advocacy and/or

preventive education seminars,

giving emphasis to the role of

parents and children in the anti-

drug campaign, ill-effects of drugs,

and consequences of drug abuse*

• Designate a CADAC/MADAC

Secretariat, who will collate all

reports and maintain periodic

statistics on barangay drug-

clearing operations for

evaluation/analysis and continuing

enhancement of process and

procedures

Department of the Interior and Local • Submit provincial monitoring report
Government: to Regional Office

City Director or City/Municipality • Provide technical assistance to
Local Government Operation Officer field offices on the implementation
• Ensure the functionality of BADAC of this Circular
• Maintain City/Municipal Masterlist
• Conduct validation activity
of Barangays with functional
BADAC Regional Director / Office
• Assess the functionality of BADAC • Serve as member and secretariat of
within their respective areas of the Balay Silangan Program
jurisdiction Regional Oversight Committee*
• Determine, together with Chief of • Provide regional guidelines to
the PNP in the locality and local implement this Circular
PDEA Representative, whether the • Maintain Regional Masterlist of
budget allocated by the Barangay Barangays with functional BADAC
Council to their BADAC is • Submit regional monitoring report
‘substantial’ to SILG, through NBOO
• Maintain the database of the • Provide technical assistance to
designated Duty Officer of BADAC* field offices on the implementation
• Maintain compliance report from of this Circular
cluster leaders of BADAC for • Conduct validation activity
monitoring and records purposes
• Monitor the submission of reports National Barangay Operations Office
and other compliance requirements • Provide guidelines in the
and maintain periodic statistics on
barangay drug clearing operations monitoring of functional BADACs
for evaluation/analysis and • Maintain National Masterlist of
continuing enhancement of
processes and procedures* Barangays with functional BADA
• Provide technical assistance to • Submit Status Report to SILG on
barangays on the implementation
of this Circular the result of the monitoring
• Submit monitoring report to • Conduct monitoring activity
Provincial Office
DILG Central Office
Provincial Office • Serve as the Secretariat of the
• Maintain Provincial Masterlist of
Balay Silangan Program National
Barangays with functional BADAC Oversight Committee*; and
• Issue a Memorandum Circular
directing DILG Regional Offices to
serve as the secretariat for the
Regional Oversight Committee.

35

BACKGROUND SALIENT PROVISIONS

The revised regulation intends to Principles of a Treatment Program:
consolidate and update the existing • The implementation of the client
policies and procedures in handling flow for wellness and recovery from
PWUDs who surrendered to the substance related issues adhere to
authorities, to include the guidelines the twelve (12) principles of
issued by the Department of the Interior community-based treatment as
and Local Government on the prescribed by the United Nations
mechanisms to monitor compliance Office on Drugs and Crime, the
with the Act at the barangay lever;. It Dangerous Drugs Board and the
also aims to address: (1) The traditional Department of Health which assure
clinical biomedical paradigm upon the following:
which the client flow was written needs • Continuum of care from outreach,
to migrate to a Public Health Approach basic support and reducing harm
like case management rather than from drug use to social reintegration,
patient treatment (2) A DDE is indicated with “any-door policy” for entry into
only for PWUDs who are determined, the system;
after initial screening, to have “HIGH • Delivery of services in the
RISK” for drug use and other risky community – as close as possible to
behaviours. The new mechanism will where drug users live;
empower other paramedical to do • Minimal disruption of social links
screening consistent with sound clinical and employment;
management. • Integration into existing health and
social services;
OBJECTIVES • Involve communities and build on
community resources including
To consolidate and update existing families;
policies and procedures in handling • Participation of people who are
PWUDs. It also aims to address the affected by drug use and
following: dependence, families and the wider
community in service planning and
1. Migration to a public health approach delivery;
rather than patient treatment • Comprehensive approach, taking
into account different needs (health,
2. Drug Dependency Examination family, education, employment and
(DDE) only for PWUDs who housing);
screened for High Risk of Drug Use • Close collaboration among civil
society, law enforcement and the
health sector;
• Provision of evidence-based
interventions;
• Informed and voluntary
participation in treatment;

36

• Respect for human rights and the DO/FP in the course thereof shall be
dignity, including confidentiality; treated with utmost confidentiality.
and
Verification of Surrenderers
• Acceptance that relapse is part of
the treatment process and will not The DO/FP with the assistance of the
stop an individual from re- enforcement officer shall verify if the
accessing treatment service person who surrendered is included in the
Target List, Wanted List and Watch List
Documentation and Interview of Personalities of law enforcement agencies
Surrenderers such as but not limited to the Philippine
Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA),
Any drug personality who surrenders to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and
authorities shall be referred to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or if
designated Duty Officer (DO) in the he/she has any other pending criminal
respective Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse case/s. If it is verified that the he/she has a
Council (BADAC) or the Focal Person (FP) pending warrant of arrest or criminal case,
of the Provincial/City/Municipal Anti-Drug he/she shall be referred to the law
Abuse Council (P/C/MADAC) where enforcement agency or the Office of the
he/she resides for interview, proper Prosecutor or the Court.
documentation and covered by video
recording, if possible, with the conformity of Surrenderers who wish to be part of the
the surrenderer. Witness Protection Program (WPP) should
be able to provide verifiable information
Every local government unit (Provincial, subject to the evaluation of the PNP and
City, Municipal, Barangay) must identify WPP's set of evaluators.
and provide the names and offices of Duty
Officers or Focal Persons which shall be Surrenderers determined to be included in
forwarded to the DILG and the Board for the Target List, Wanted List and Watch List
records purposes. Duty Officers at various shall be submitted to procedures
ADACs can be assigned who will help prescribed under Board Regulation No 3,
manage the cases. Series of 2016.

An interview shall be conducted by the Surrenderers deemed to be PWUDs shall
DO/FP who will solicit personal information be submitted for screening and/or
from the surrenderer. The names, assessment for proper intervention in
addresses, contact numbers, religious conformance with the guidelines set under
affiliation and gender will be obtained for this Board Regulation and the attached
purposes of monitoring compliance to Process Flow.
prescribed program if necessary and put
the information in the record book in
accordance with Section 12 of Republic Act
No. 10173 which provides for the “Criteria
for Lawful Processing of Personal
Information”. Any information obtained by

37

Screening and Assessment of Person Questionnaire (SRQ)3, through
Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) 1 and the conduct of interview and/or
Determination of Appropriate the utilization of questionnaire.
Intervention Upon the discretion of the
screener, other internationally
1. Prior to the administration of accepted screening tools, may
standard screening tools, an also be utilized to assess the
intake interview shall be level of drug use of the client
conducted by the trained and to determine the
paramedical which shall give mental/psychological co-morbid
primary importance on conditions of the surrenderer.
establishing rapport and on
determining the PWUD’s risk 4. Surrenderers/PWUDs who are
factors for substance use children (below 18 years old)
disorder and identify other areas shall be referred to a licensed
of risks in relation to the his/her social worker that will handle
drug use. them in accordance with Board
Resolution No. 4 Series of 2019:
2. After the execution of the Adopting the Protocol When
Affidavit of Undertaking and Handling Children Allegedly
Waiver by the PWUD the DO/FP Involved in Dangerous Drugs.
of the CONCERNED ADAC
shall further refer him/her for 5. If the PWUD is found to be at
screening and assessment in a
Rural Health Unit (RHU)/ Health risk for co-occurring psychiatric /
Center (HC) which can be done
by any trained paramedical medical comorbidity during the
(Healthcare Worker, trained
rehabilitation center personnel, screening and interview, he/she
qualified allied professional,
board certified psychiatrist and shall be referred to the
registered psychologist, among
others, and even to a DOH- appropriate mental
Accredited Physician)
health/medical professional who

shall manage the mental issue

simultaneously with the drug

use. [Risk for severe medical

comorbidity and/or risk for

severe mental comorbidity as

defined by SRQ scores of: For

3. The screening shall be question 1 to 20 (depression
and anxiety) – positive score is
undertaken using the "Alcohol,

Smoking and Substance 5 or more; and for question 21 to
25 (psychosis) – 1 or more.]
Involvement Screening Test

(ASSIST) 2 and, in compliance Once the mental health problem

with the new Mental Health Act, is addressed and upon the

the World Health Organization discretion of the mental health

(WHO) Self-Reporting

38

professional, he/she can be organizations in selecting the mix
referred back to the process of interventions and support. The
flow. A clearance may be appropriate mix of interventions
requested from the mental and services is based on
health professional. research evidence. Questions
could include: how appropriate a
6. Screening shall yield the following method is to the client’s
results: individual situation, how
acceptable it is to the client,
• Low Risk for Drug Abuse whether trained staff are
and Dependence (for available, and whether it is
ASSIST score of 0 to 3) culturally appropriate, doable or
accessible.
• Moderate Risk for Drug
Abuse and Dependence 9. PWUDs requiring Out-Patient ,
(for ASSIST score of 4 to Community-based Treatment
26) and Rehabilitation and General
Services/Interventions shall
• High Risk for Drug Abuse hereby be termed as clients,
and Dependence (for while PWUDs requiring In-
ASSIST score of 27 and Patient intervention programs
above) shall be referred to as patients.

7. Results of the screening shall be Determination of Appropriate
discussed with the PWUD by the Intervention
trained paramedical who
provided the screening services. • If after screening, the client is
PWUDs shall be provided with found to be "LOW" risk for drug
Brief Intervention. The ASSIST- dependence, with ASSIST Scores
Linked Brief Intervention can be of 0-3, the concerned ADAC may
utilized for feedback, information, provide or refer the client to
and motivation to the PWUDs. general interventions including but
not limited to brief interventions,
8. Case management begins at the individual and family programs,
screening phase and provided health and psychoeducation,
seamlessly throughout at all psycho/socio/spiritual support
levels of care to all clients. The
main purpose of case • If found to be of "MODERATE"
management is to link clients to risk of drug dependence, with
the range of services that suit ASSIST Scores of 4-26, the
their individual needs. Case concerned ADAC may provide or
managers work with the client, refer the client to community-
other members of the treatment based treatment and rehabilitation
team, and other services or
39

programs/interventions including DATRC shall be designated by the
but not limited to case Executive Director.
management and treatment plan,
psychoeducation/advocacy, The recognized representatives of the
counseling/coaching, Board, in the performance of their
education/employment support, delegated authority, may seek the
relapse management and other assistance of the members of the local
activities deemed necessary. chapter of the Integrated Bar of the
• If found to be of "HIGH" risk, the Philippines (IBP), the Department of
concerned ADAC shall refer the Justice, through the Public Attorney’s
PWUD for Drug Dependency Office unless the applicant PWUD opts to
Examination. have a private counsel at his/her expense.

Application for Access to Treatment and The Executive Director and all other
Rehabilitation Program authorized representatives shall render a
monthly report to the Board on all
In-patient programs applications for voluntary confinement
received, the corresponding actions taken,
Surrenderers and arrested / apprehended and the status thereof. Upon receipt of the
PWUDs with Severe Substance Use verified application, the Board or its duly
Disorders may by himself/herself or recognized representative shall bring forth
through his/her parent, spouse, guardian or the matter to the court by filing a petition.
relative within the fourth degree of
consanguinity or affinity, file a verified PWUDs with Severe Substance Use
application to the Board or its duly Disorders who availed of plea bargaining
recognized representative for voluntary shall be subject to the jurisdiction and
confinement for treatment and disposition of the court.
rehabilitation subject to the provisions of
Board Regulation No. 3, Series of 2007. Out-patient, Community-based and
The case manager may likewise refer the general intervention programs
client to an accredited rehabilitation center
to help facilitate admission process. Court mandated
Low or moderate risk PWUDs who availed
The recognized representatives of the of (1) plea bargaining or (2) voluntary
Board, who may pertain to the Provincial or submission under Section 54 of RA 9165 or
City Health Officer; Provincial or City Social (3) compulsory confinement under Section
Welfare and Development Officer; 61 of RA 9165 shall be subjected to DDE
Provincial or City Local Government upon order of the Court to be conducted by
Operations Officer; Provincial or City a DOH-accredited physician who, based on
Schools Division Superintendent; Regional, his professional discretion, may refer the
Provincial or City Parole and Probation PWUD to a trained paramedical for
Officer; and capacitated personnel of screening and assessment under Section 5
city/municipal anti-drug abuse council / of this Regulation for determination of

40

appropriate intervention. The findings and period determined by the case manager
recommendation of the trained but may be extended depending on the
paramedical and/or the DDE shall be assessment of the community health team
approved by the DOH-accredited physician headed by the ADAC in close collaboration
to be forwarded to the Court for information with other agencies such as DSWD, PNP,
and issuance of appropriate court order. and NGOs. Random drug test
administration can be performed any time
Non- Court admitted within the duration of the program as an
Surrenderers with Low or Moderate adjunct therapeutic surveillance tool. If
Substance Use Disorders shall be referred found positive, PWUDs shall be referred to
by the trained paramedical for general a DOH accredited physician for further
community-based and out-patient assessment and appropriate intervention.
intervention programs pursuant to their
Affidavit of Undertaking without need of Monitoring Mechanisms
filing an application.
Programs implemented at various levels
PWUD Rehabilitated and Discharged must ensure adoption of a quality
measurement system to ensure efficient
Upon the assessment of the case manager and effective service provision.
and/or the accredited physician (for
community-based and out-patient All City and Municipal Mayors are enjoined
programs) or in-patient center, a certificate to designate a focal person from the
of completion shall be issued to the CADAC / MADAC to ensure enforcement
client/patient giving consideration for of and compliance with these guidelines.
general well-being parameters. The
certification can be used to “de-list” the Confidentiality of Records
client or patient in the Barangay Drug
Clearing activities pursuant to Board All information pursuant to Privacy Act on
Regulation No 2, 2007 as amended by surrenderers and/or PWUDs shall be
Board Regulation No.2 2016. confidential in nature.

Community Support, Aftercare and Judicial and medical records of drug
Reintegration (CSAR) Program dependents under the voluntary
submission program shall be confidential
All PWUDs who successfully completed and shall not be used against him/her for
community-based treatment, Out-patient any purpose, except to determine how
and in-patient rehabilitation programs will many times, by himself/herself or through
be referred to this program which focuses his/her parent, spouse, guardian or relative
on relapse management and reintegration within the fourth degree of consanguinity or
into community. The program should affinity, he/she voluntarily submitted
consist of biopsychosocial spiritual himself/herself for confinement, treatment
services to include but not limited to legal, and rehabilitation or has been committed to
medical/dental services, psychological a Center under this program.
services, and other social services for a
41

However, where the drug dependent is not Penalty Clause
exempt from criminal liability under Section
55 of R.A. 9165, or when he/she is not Persons who violate confidentiality of
rehabilitated under the voluntary records shall be liable under Section 72 of
submission program, or when he/she RA 9165 without prejudice to the penalties
escapes again from confinement after provided by the Privacy Act.
recommitment, the records mentioned in
the immediately preceding provisions, Other violation of this Regulation shall be
which are necessary for his/her conviction, penalized under Section 32 of R.A. No.
may be utilized as evidence in court against 9165, without prejudice to any criminal
him/her. liability arising from the same act
punishable under other provisions thereof.

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