The statement of insights and affirmations on the drug problem in the Barangay Colon is a declaration

that is readily applicable to other locals and provinces in the Philippines where approaches to the
problem of drug abuse are largely harsh, violent and punitive. As a student of University of San Carlos,
BHSM, we reiterate our conviction that the drug problem in the Philippines is multi-dimensional in
character and deeply rooted in the structural causes of poverty, inequality and powerlessness of the
Filipino people. Contrary to the government’s position of treating the issues as a problem of criminality
and lawlessness, the drug problem must be addressed using a holistic and rights-based approach,
requiring the mobilization and involvement of all stakeholders. This is the message and the challenge
which we, as student of University of San Carlos, want to relay to the leaders, policymakers, healthcare
professionals, and human rights advocates in the region; we must all work together to protect and
promote health and well-being of all populations in our region.

In our research, we gathered information about the percentage of drug users and addicts in Philippines,
Cebu and Barangay Colon in Naga.

The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime report that (1.1%) of Filipinos aged 10 to 69 use the drug.
The distribution of respondents who have tried drugs are as follows: Cebu, 71 (22.4%); The highest
prevalence of drug abuse is on those based on the centers or children brought to the centers due to
drug abuse problem (36.5%).

(KULANG NALANG SA BARANGAY COLON)

Drug use is dangerous. It can harm your brain and body, sometimes permanently. It can hurt

the people around you, including friends, families, kids, and unborn babies. Drug use can also

lead to addiction. People struggling with addiction usually deny that their drug use is

problematic and are reluctant to seek treatment. Not everyone who uses drugs becomes
addicted. Everyone’s bodies and brains are different, so their reactions to drugs can also be

different. Some people may become addicted quickly, or it may happen over time. Other

people never become addicted. Whether or not someone becomes addicted depends on many

factors. They include genetic, environmental, and developmental factors. In Barangay Colon,

Naga, it is possible that the increasing of drug addiction is based on environmental factors and

due to poverty.

SOURCES:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_drug_trade_in_the_Philippines

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331532147_The_Manila_Declaration_on_the_Drug_Proble
m_in_the_Philippines