School programmes in drug rehabilitation and social reintegration in the Philippines

In recognition of the role of education in the process of the social reintegration of drug-dependent persons, the Dangerous Drugs Board, the Philippines' highest policy-making and co-ordinating body on all matters pertaining to drug abuse control, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, and other drug-rehabilitation centres have jointly initiated and are implementing a formal school programme at the secondary level, within the confines of rehabilitation centres. Thus far, a built-in school programme has been established in the three rehabilitation centres existing in the country, from which 500 individuals have graduated. A follow-up study is currently underway to determine the effect that these programmes have had with respect to the successful reintegration of those individuals into community life.