Bea Pama BSBA-FM 1B | CWTS 1-L

•As stated earlier, policy is an effective way to address challenges on drugs. Do you think the three specific policies
learned is substantial in resolving and addressing challenges in the Philippines? How do you say so?

•What do you think will happen if we do not have laws on drugs in the Philippines? Will it affect you?

•If you were to ask, in your own viewpoint, do you think we have outstanding laws that govern the implementers
in the Philippines? Why is it we could still see some significant challenges that confront the welfare of the people?
Expound your thoughts.

Drug-related challenges have been a persistent issue in the Philippines. The country has implemented three key
drug policies, namely the “War on Drugs,” the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Harm Reduction
Programs. In this essay, I will assess the effectiveness of these policies, contemplate the consequences of having no
drug laws, and examine the challenges in implementing these laws.

The “War on Drugs,” initiated in 2016, was a controversial campaign aimed at eradicating illegal drugs through
aggressive means. While it claimed progress in drug control, it has been widely criticized for human rights abuses and
limited success. The extrajudicial killings and violations of due process have raised questions about its legitimacy.

The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 provides the legal framework for drug control in the
Philippines. It sets out the rules for drug prevention, law enforcement, and penalties for drug-related offenses.
However, challenges arise in its inconsistent enforcement and perceived leniency towards high-profile drug lords.

Harm Reduction Programs play a vital role in addressing the public health aspect of drug problems. These
programs aim to minimize the adverse consequences of drug use and provide access to healthcare services for drug
users. Unfortunately, their adoption has been limited in the Philippines, and they face skepticism from some sectors.

In evaluating their effectiveness, it becomes clear that these policies, while addressing the issue of drugs, have
not been substantial in resolving all challenges. A more holistic and balanced approach is needed, focusing on both
enforcement and rehabilitation. The “War on Drugs” must evolve to respect human rights, and the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act should be consistently enforced.

Hypothetically, if there were no drug laws in the Philippines, the consequences would be dire. The absence of
legal frameworks to control drug trafficking, distribution, and use would likely lead to a surge in drug-related crimes,
public health crises, and a threat to the safety and well-being of citizens. The lack of drug laws would compromise
the security and health of all individuals residing in the Philippines. An absence of drug laws would lead to a climate
of impunity for drug traffickers and drug lords, further endangering society.

Despite having drug laws in place, the challenges confronting the welfare of the people in the Philippines remain
significant. These challenges include inconsistent enforcement, human rights concerns, limited rehabilitation
services, and corruption within law enforcement agencies. Enforcement issues arise from the inconsistent application
of drug laws, varying from one region to another. This inconsistency allows drug-related problems to persist and
hinders an effective nationwide response. Moreover, concerns about human rights violations, particularly in the
context of the “War on Drugs,” have significantly eroded public trust in these policies and their implementers.
Additionally, corruption within law enforcement agencies can undermine the effectiveness and integrity of drug laws,
allowing some drug lords and traffickers to escape justice.

In conclusion, the drug policies in the Philippines have made some strides in addressing drug-related issues, but
their effectiveness is hindered by significant challenges. A more balanced and holistic approach is needed, focusing
on both law enforcement and rehabilitation. The absence of drug laws would have detrimental consequences for
society, compromising the safety and well-being of its citizens. Addressing the challenges in implementing drug laws
requires consistent enforcement, respect for human rights, expanded rehabilitation services, and a concerted effort
to combat corruption within the system. Only through comprehensive reform can the Philippines effectively tackle its
drug-related challenges and safeguard the welfare of its people.

Determine the volunteer opportunity that best suits you by answering the following questions in at most 50 words
each (Perkins, 2014):

1. If you have all possible human and financial resources...

A. What issue would you address?

—If I had all resources, I would focus on tackling drug use, a pervasive issue causing widespread
harm and sufferings

B. What would you change?

—my goal would be to transform communities, reducing drug addiction’s devastating impact by
improving access to treatment, support, and education

C. What would you create?

— envision creating a network of comprehensive rehabilitation programs and educational initiatives

to address the root causes of drug use and provide a path towards recovery and healthier lives.

Answer the following items in at most 200 words for each.

2. Which volunteer opportunities will best suit your preference, lifestyle, and future career goals? Choose at
most three and justify.

Volunteerism is a noble endeavor, but to make a lasting impact and sustain commitment, it’s essential to choose
opportunities that align with one’s preferences, lifestyle, and future career goals. For me, three volunteer
opportunities stand out as the most suitable for me would be the following:

-Mentoring Youth

Guiding and mentoring young individuals aligns closely with my preferences and values. I’ve always been
passionate about education and youth development. Volunteering as a mentor allows me to channel this passion into
making a positive impact on young lives. It offers an opportunity to share knowledge, life experiences, and skills,
providing direction and support to the next generation. This aligns with my personal commitment to fostering
personal and academic growth in young people. Moreover, mentoring youth could be a stepping stone to a future
career in education, as it allows me to gain valuable experience in working with young learners, understand their
needs, and refine my teaching and communication skills.

-Community Health Initiatives

Volunteer opportunities related to community health are not just in line with my preferences but also seamlessly
fit into my lifestyle. I’ve long been interested in public health, and the relevance of health in daily life makes it a
subject close to my heart. Engaging in community health initiatives allows me to contribute to well-being in my
immediate environment, aligning with my commitment to healthier lives for all. While not directly related to my
future career goals, it complements a broader understanding of social and ecological systems. This experience can
provide insights into the challenges and opportunities in public health, which may inform career choices in the
healthcare sector or health education.

-Environmental Conservation

For me, environmental conservation is not just a volunteer opportunity; it’s a deep-seated commitment.
Preserving our planet and natural resources is an issue of paramount importance. While it may not be directly linked
to my future career goals, it reflects my values and concerns for the planet’s well-being. Engaging in environmental
conservation allows me to make a tangible difference in my community and beyond. It’s an opportunity to actively
contribute to the preservation of endangered ecosystems, biodiversity, and the fight against climate change. This
aligns with my commitment to sustainability and a cleaner, healthier world for future generations.

In conclusion, choosing the right volunteer opportunities is about matching personal values, lifestyle, and long-
term goals. Mentoring youth, community health initiatives, and environmental conservation are my top choices. They
resonate with my preferences, fit into my lifestyle, and have the potential to shape my future career goals by
providing practical experience and invaluable life lessons. These opportunities represent not just volunteering but a
way of life guided by my convictions and aspirations.

3. As an NSTP-CWTS student, why do you think that some students do not heed the call of volunteerism?
How would you encourage them to participate in your community’s volunteer opportunities?

As an NSTP-CWTS student, I’ve witnessed that not all students heed the call of volunteerism. Several factors
contribute to this reluctance. Firstly, academic pressures, heavy coursework, and deadlines often leave students with
little time or energy to engage in volunteer activities. Secondly, some students may not fully comprehend the intrinsic
rewards of volunteerism, focusing more on academic achievements. Lastly, a lack of awareness about the benefits of
volunteering, coupled with the belief that it won’t significantly impact their lives, can deter students from
participating.

To encourage students to embrace volunteerism, it’s imperative to employ a multi-faceted approach. Firstly,
raising awareness is key. Organizing seminars, workshops, or awareness campaigns to highlight the personal and
societal benefits of volunteering is vital. Real-life success stories and testimonials from active volunteers can serve as
compelling examples.

Secondly, recognizing the limitations students face in their schedules is crucial. We should provide volunteer
opportunities with flexible schedules that can accommodate academic commitments, ensuring volunteering doesn’t
become an additional burden.

Additionally, peer engagement is powerful. Encouraging students who have had positive volunteer experiences to
share their stories and inspire their peers can be highly effective.

Incentives or recognition systems for active volunteers can also motivate students. Acknowledging their efforts
through certificates, awards, or scholarships can make them feel valued and appreciated.

Finally, integrating volunteerism into the academic curriculum emphasizes that it’s not a separate obligation but
an integral part of their education. This helps students understand that volunteerism is not just about giving but also
about gaining valuable skills and experiences.

In conclusion, fostering a culture of volunteerism among NSTP-CWTS students requires a strategic and
comprehensive approach that emphasizes the benefits, accommodates academic demands, and provides
recognition. Through such initiatives, we can inspire more students to heed the call of volunteerism and contribute
positively to their communities.