Rep. ‘Toff’ De V: Adopt multi-sectoral approach

By August 21, 2016Inside News, News

“THE war on drugs should not only be a war by the President or the PNP”
This was how Fourth District Rep. Christopher “Toff” de Venecia felt about the ongoing war on drugs. “It should be a multi-sectoral battle that hinges on mutli-sectoral cooperation–from the barangay, the health sector, the church, our educational institutions, civil society, and even mass media,” he said in his privilege speech Wednesday.

He sought support of his colleagues in both chambers of Congress for the passage of two bills to complement President Duterte’s unprecedented war on drugs: “An Act Providing For The Prevention Of Drug Use Among High Risk Individuals And For The Rehabilitation Of Drug Users“ and “An Act Providing For The Social Reintegration And Monitoring Of Rehabilitated Individuals.”

Rep. De Venecia also enjoined his colleagues in the legislature to increase the national health budget, for the expansion and modernization of existing rehabilitation centers in the country like those found in the provinces of Davao, Pangasinan, Cebu, Zamboanga, Albay, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Leyte.

He said bill seeks to support the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”, that mandates the establishment of drug rehabilitation centers in each province, effective implementation of drug assessment and monitoring programs for the regional health centers.

“I pray that you will support these bills, and carry out your own investigations on the matter because we cannot allow more blood to be shed because of drug abuse,” he said.

To further support the war on drugs, he cited 1) the role the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council plays as the first-line of defense in this war against drugs, 2) the inclusion of drug education in curriculum of all levels, 3) the need to adopt culture as a tool for nation-building, 4) the need to employ more health workers 5) the need to harness media and entertainment to help in the information about drug prevention and ill effects of drug use and abuse, and 6) the need to use military camps as interim rehab centers.

He said a multi-sectoral approach to the war on drugs, under President Duterte’s leadership, could set a model for the whole world – one that is not isolationist and exclusive but collaborative and inclusive. (Tita Roces)

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