Towards an Empowered Future
As the first quarter of 2025 comes to an end, the ISSUP Philippine Chapter continues to strengthen its partnerships and broaden its influence across national and international platforms. The past months have been marked by crucial collaborations aimed at advancing Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI), substance use disorder education, and drug policy reform in the Philippines.
Our continued collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) has resulted in a decision to hold pilot programs on ATI in Cebu and Quezon City. The program will be tentatively held in July, 2025, with a focus on capacitating political and legislative figures of the two cities on ATI.
The Chapter is also committed to closer collaboration with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) through Dr. Paul Lawrence Filomeno’s participation in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Representing ISSUP Philippines, Dr. Filomeno will contribute to the projects and activities under the IVLP 2026, ensuring that Philippine initiatives remain aligned with global best practices in substance use prevention and rehabilitation.
Maintaining our relationships with government agencies remain a priority for our Chapter. The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) has always been an active partner for us in Drug Demand Reductions. Representatives will soon meet with the newly appointed DDB Secretary Oscar Valenzuela to congratulate him for his appointment to the position, and to reassure our commitments to DDR
Chapter representatives will also soon meet with Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres. The discussion will focus on providing expert feedback on amendments to Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These proposed amendments seek to enhance the effectiveness of drug policies, ensuring a balanced approach that prioritizes both enforcement and rehabilitation.
Last February 27, 2025, Dr. Mariano Hembra and Dr. Salvador Benjamin Vista represented the ISSUP Philippine Chapter at a high-level meeting on the Department of Health’s new Pharmacotherapeutic Guidelines for Mental, Neurological, and Substance (MNS) Disorders. This initiative seeks to refine and improve the availability of free medications for individuals struggling with MNS disorders, further integrating evidence-based treatment approaches into the country’s healthcare system.
Finally, last March 30, 2025, Dr. Paul Lawrence Filomeno represented the Chapter in delivering a module on The Science of Addiction and Protocols in Handling Children Allegedly Involved in Illegal Drugs. The event was organized by the DDB and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The training, delivered to social workers, aligns with the Chapter's mission of advancing education in addiction to addiction professionals who work closely with vulnerable and affected populations.
Behind the scenes, the ISSUP Philippine Chapter continues to plan and prepare for more opportunities to improve our nation's policies and programs relating to addiction and substance use, as well as the further professional development of our members.
