LGUs urged to establish special drug education centers
The government has taken steps to promote and intensify programs for drug abuse prevention at the local level through the establishment of special drug education centers (SDECs) for out-of-school youth (OSY) and streetchildren.
Recently, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno has called on local chief executives across the country to establish and operate a SDEC in their respective areas and to form Special Drug Education Center Teams (SDECTs) as well that will help sustain drug prevention in their respective jurisdiction.
The establishment and operationalization of the local SEDCs is in accordance with Section 46 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, said Puno in a DILG press report.
The SEDC is a community-based facility which will serve as a venue in promoting preventive and developmental services for the out-of-school youth and streetchildren. It will be headed by a social worker officer and manned by a full-time social worker, a manpower development officer and an administrative staff.
The center's location shall be accessible to community facilities and far from conflict areas and other structures that may pose hazards to all. These shall have also necessary venues for services and activities for beneficiaries.
The respective local government units shall provide the personnel, supplies, equipment and other requirements necessary for the effective implementation of the drug education program.
However, LGUs with existing facilities providing similar or related services may use the same facilities as SDEC.