13 March 2015 – Speaking before delegates at the opening session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on March 09 at Vienna, Austria, Dangerous Drugs Board Undersecretary Jose Marlowe Pedregosa delivered the Philippines’ national statement, highlighting the great strides made in the nation’s anti-drug campaign.
Anchored on a five-pillar approach of drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction, alternative development, civic awareness, and regional and international cooperation, Undersecretary Pedregosa stated, “In 2014, the supply reduction efforts led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency resulted in the seizure of Php 6.35 billion worth of dangerous drugs and Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals (CPECs).”
Undersecretary Pedregosa further stated, “On drug demand reduction, the Philippines intensified its programs on Prevention, Education, Treatment and Rehabilitation and Research through the grass-roots level by involving communities and conducting capacity building programs, including the dissemination of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime International Prevention Standards on Substance Use.”
“The fight against drugs is not a fight waged by each Member State alone,” said the co-head of the Philippine delegation, acknowledging the role of international and regional cooperation in helping the country achieve its accomplishments in 2014.
On the second day of the seven-day conference, as representative of the Asian Group, Undersecretary Pedregosa participated as a panelist at the interactive discussion on “Demand reduction and related measures, including prevention and treatment, as well as health-related issues; and ensuring the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes.”
Discussing the demand reduction strategies of the Philippines, he described the drug problem in the Philippines as one of national concern, “One that is related, not only to security, but also to health, social and economic well-being of the country.”
Through a comprehensive approach, Undersecretary Pedregosa described the multifaceted approach used by the Philippines which includes the strengthening of national legislation, collaboration with different government agencies, civil society and the private sector, utilization of new technologies and the involvement of communities.
The Commission on Narcotic Drugs is one of the United Nations organs with a prime responsibility on drug matters. The 58th session is estimated to draw one thousand delegates from all over the world. END