Dangerous Drugs Board, NIA Northside Road, Quezon City (2026)

07/10/2026

A revised policy expanding drug abuse prevention education across schools and Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions was among the measures approved during the 4th Drug Demand Reduction Committee Meeting, presided over by DDB Permanent Member - Undersecretary Abad Osit and attended by DDB Chairperson - Secretary Oscar Valenzuela and representatives from partner agencies.

At the tertiary level, the enhanced policy provides for the integration of prevention modules into the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) National Service Training Program - Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP-CWTS) and Literacy Training Service (LTS).

The policy also recognizes the part that families, the religious sector, local Anti-Drug Abuse Councils, and Community Health Workers can play in prevention, extending these efforts beyond the classroom and into the communities they serve.

The Committee also reviewed progress in updating Drug-Free Workplace Policies for the government sector and agreed to institutionalize a Technical Working Group (TWG) for Alternative Development through a Board Resolution. Working with key national and regional partners, the TWG will be guided by a national framework in supporting sustainable community livelihood.

The measures cover prevention education, workplace policies, community participation, and livelihood, areas that call for different approaches but share a common place in the broader work of prevention.

06/10/2026

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) welcomed representatives from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) for a courtesy call that brought together Philippine and US counterparts to discuss developments in the drug situation and areas of mutual concern.

DDB Chairperson - Secretary Oscar Valenzuela, DDB Permanent Members Undersecretary Abad Osit and Undersecretary Armando Ramolete, and PDEA Director General - Undersecretary Isagani Nerez, together with other officials, met with the US-DEA delegation led by Mr. Michael Cabral and Mr. Andrew Freytag.

The conversation centered on what agencies are seeing in the changing drug landscape, including emerging trends and the challenges that come with them. It also touched on the practical value of sharing information and experience, particularly when developments in the drug situation can extend across countries and affect how authorities understand and respond to them.

For agencies working on different parts of drug prevention and control, exchanges such as this provide an opportunity to compare experiences, raise common concerns, and learn from approaches being undertaken in another setting. Such exchanges can offer useful perspectives as agencies continue to assess developments and consider appropriate responses.

Keeping these lines of communication open allows counterparts to better understand developments beyond their own jurisdictions and bring relevant insights into the work being done locally. In a situation that continues to change, having a wider view can help agencies recognize emerging concerns earlier and respond with greater context.

05/10/2026

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Secretariat has successfully completed its ISO 9001:2015 Second Surveillance Audit conducted by TÜV Rheinland, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to quality, transparency, efficiency, and continuous improvement in public service.

Led by Executive Director - Undersecretary Earl Saavedra, together with Deputy Executive Director for Operations - Assistant Secretary Ferdaussi Masnar and Deputy Executive Director for Administration - Assistant Secretary Ma. Victoria Sorne, the DDB operating units walked the auditors through their respective processes, supported by documented evidence and actual records demonstrating the effective implementation of the agency’s Quality Management System (QMS).

The assessment covered key processes across the agency, including top management leadership, legal affairs, administrative and financial management, preventive education, public relations, internal audit controls, policy research and statistical analysis, strategic planning, conference secretariat, and ICT systems management.

The audit resulted in zero nonconformities, reflecting the Secretariat’s continued compliance with ISO 9001:2015 requirements. It also recognized best practices and identified opportunities for improvement, providing valuable insights to further strengthen the agency’s systems, processes, and service delivery.

This achievement is a collective effort of DDB officials and employees across all units, whose dedication and teamwork continue to uphold accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement in the performance of the agency’s mandate on drug abuse prevention and control.

The audit marks another step forward in the DDB’s continuing pursuit of stronger systems, better processes, and quality public service.

02/10/2026

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) continues to engage with international partners in strengthening approaches to address evolving drug-related challenges and support more responsive drug control efforts in the Philippines.

DDB Chairperson Secretary Oscar Valenzuela welcomed Director Navarro Moore of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) during a courtesy call that provided an opportunity to discuss areas of continuing cooperation.

The discussion covered emerging drug trends, law enforcement interdiction efforts, and approaches responsive to the country’s distinct archipelagic and maritime setting. These exchanges provide opportunities to share perspectives and explore strategies that respond to the changing nature of the drug situation.

The engagement also highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to the drug problem. Alongside supply reduction measures, the DDB continues to advance preventive education, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration, recognizing that addressing drug-related concerns requires efforts that respond not only to the supply of drugs, but also to the needs and circumstances of individuals, families, and communities.

Through sustained international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and practices, the DDB helps strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to emerging drug challenges. Such collaboration with international counterparts supports the pursuit of practical, evidence-informed, and coordinated approaches to drug control.

23/09/2026

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) welcomed the Department of Health (DOH) for a meeting focused on identifying potential areas of cooperation and strategic priorities between the two agencies, particularly in strengthening health-centered approaches to substance use and addressing the complex challenges associated with illegal drug use.

DDB Chairperson - Secretary Oscar Valenzuela and Executive Director - Undersecretary Earl Saavedra met with DOH Undersecretary Dr. Albert Francis Edralin Domingo to review their existing efforts and discuss how closer coordination can further strengthen the delivery of programs and services.

This included strengthening the operations of Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (DATRCs) and looking more closely at the range of health needs that must be addressed in treatment and rehabilitation. In particular, the integration of mental health was emphasized as an important part of providing more comprehensive support to persons who use drugs (PWUDs), recognizing that substance use may be accompanied by mental and psychosocial concerns that also require appropriate care.

Making these services more accessible also calls for stronger support systems around treatment. In this regard, the agencies explored the potential inclusion of more comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation packages for PWUDs under PhilHealth, which could help address financial barriers and provide greater continuity of care.

The discussion also reflected the need to ensure that these policy directions translate into services that are accessible to the public. Aligned with the administration’s directive, the DDB and DOH works on ensuring that government policies and programs are felt and appreciated by the Filipino people through services that are responsive to their needs, accessible to those who require them, and able to translate policy into meaningful support.

With these priorities in view, the two agencies are aligning their respective mandates, programs, and expertise across treatment and rehabilitation, mental health integration, health financing, and service accessibility.

22/09/2026

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) convened key inter-agency partners to continue reviewing and enhancing drug-free workplace policies and programs across the public sector, reinforcing a balanced approach that promotes employee well-being and institutional integrity.

The DDB led the review of the Guidelines for the Implementation of Drug-Free Workplace Policies and Programs in the Government Sector in a sub-committee meeting presided over by DDB Permanent Member - Undersecretary Abad Osit and attended by key representatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Central to the review is the proposed overhaul of Board Regulation No. 13, Series of 2018, moving away from the rigid one-strike policy to recognize that drug use is a multi-faceted public health issue that is best addressed with proper intervention and rehabilitation rather than immediate dismissal from service.

Member agencies are working closely to re-examine existing provisions and establish standardized guidelines covering National Government Agencies (NGAs), constitutional bodies, departments, bureaus, Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), State University and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and Local Government Units (LGUs). Key elements discussed include pre-employment screening, random drug testing parameters aligned with CSC Memorandum Circular No. 05 (s. 2019), Employee Assistance Programs, and Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation referral pathways.

To ensure that initiative is aligned with legal anchors and promotes operational efficiency, provisions will undergo a coordinative legal review and a dedicated workshop to fine-tune the parameters and finalize the technical details of the policy revisions for workplace drug concerns.
Succeeding sessions will continue the review toward a drug-free workplace framework that balances clear compliance standards with compassionate safeguards, ensuring that prevention, rehabilitation, and public service integrity remain aligned with national drug control directives.

21/09/2026

The Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DOH-TRC) CARAGA is set to expand its clinical and therapeutic facilities through the construction of a proposed Integrated Clinical and Wellness Building, supported by ₱5 million in financial assistance from the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB). The project is intended to enhance the Center's capacity to deliver comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services for persons recovering from substance use disorders.

The financial assistance was formally turned over by DDB Deputy Executive Director for Operations Assistant Secretary Ferdaussi Masnar to Dr. Edhel Miro, Chief of Hospital of DOH-TRC CARAGA, during a meeting with the Center's management officials. The turnover also provided an opportunity for both institutions to discuss ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening treatment and rehabilitation.

During the discussion, Assistant Secretary Masnar emphasized that recovery is a continuous process sustained through treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration. He noted that the proposed Integrated Clinical and Wellness Building represents an investment in creating an environment that promotes healing, upholds dignity, and supports long-term recovery. Dr. Miro, in turn, acknowledged the Board's continued support, noting that the project will further strengthen the Center's capacity to deliver quality health services.

The visit concluded with a tour of the Center's facilities, allowing the DDB to better appreciate how the proposed Integrated Clinical and Wellness Building will complement the Center's existing rehabilitation services. The tour also enabled discussions on key implementation considerations as the project moves toward development.

17/09/2026

The Municipality of Mainit, Surigao del Norte is moving forward with the establishment of its proposed Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Facility (CBDRF), expanding the local access to treatment and recovery services. Supported by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), the project will establish a dedicated center where individuals affected by substance use disorders can receive appropriate interventions closer to their communities.

Prior to the turnover ceremony, DDB Deputy Executive Director for Operations - Assistant Secretary Ferdaussi Masnar led the site visit to the proposed location of the facility together with the members of the DDB delegation. The visit assessed the site's accessibility and suitability, identifying key considerations to ensure compliance with applicable safety, planning, and regulatory standards during project implementation. A coordination meeting with municipal officials was likewise held to discuss the preparatory requirements.

Assistant Secretary Masnar then formally turned over the ₱5 million financial assistance to Mayor Ramon Mondano during a ceremony attended by local government officials. Mayor Mondano described the project as a timely addition to the Municipality's continuing efforts to strengthen community-based interventions for individuals affected by substance use disorders.

Once operational, the proposed facility will provide Mainit with a dedicated venue for delivering structured community-based interventions, enabling individuals and families to access treatment and recovery while supporting the municipality's long-term rehabilitation efforts.

16/09/2026

Following the budget briefing, the proposed 2027 budgets of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) moved forward in the House of Representatives during today’s plenary deliberation, with Congressman Marcelino R. Teodoro of the First District of Marikina sponsoring the budget proposals of both agencies.

DDB Chairperson - Secretary Oscar Valenzuela and PDEA Director General - Undersecretary Isagani Nerez led the agencies during the deliberations, with DDB top-level management officials Executive Director - Undersecretary Earl Saavedra, Deputy Executive Director for Administration - Assistant Secretary Ma. Victoria Sorne, and Deputy Executive Director for Operations - Assistant Secretary Ferdaussi Masnar also present. The agencies presented their respective budget requirements and priorities for 2027, outlining the programs and initiatives to be supported by the proposed allocations.

The DDB’s proposed budget will support the continued implementation of its mandate as the country’s policy-making and coordinating body on drug abuse prevention and control, including policy development, research, preventive education, advocacy, capacity building, and coordination with government partners and stakeholders.

The DDB expresses its appreciation to Congressman Teodoro for sponsoring the budget proposals and for supporting the agencies throughout the deliberations. The Board likewise recognizes the members of the House of Representatives for their consideration of the DDB’s proposed programs and for affirming the importance of sustained resources to strengthen its efforts under its mandate. The support extended during the deliberations reinforces the DDB’s commitment to translating these resources into responsive initiatives that address the country’s continuing drug-related concerns.

The joint participation of the DDB and PDEA reflects their complementary mandates under the Enhanced Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (E-PADS), the government’s evidence-based, holistic, and comprehensive framework for addressing the country’s drug problem. The DDB works to institutionalize this integrated approach across all sectors, while PDEA carries out its enforcement mandate as part of the broader national strategy.

With the House plenary deliberation concluded, the DDB is now preparing for the Senate’s plenary deliberation on the proposed 2027 General Appropriations Act (GAA) Bill.

Dangerous Drugs Board

07/10/2026

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