MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) — The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) is urging the provincial government to operationalize the Special Drug Education Center (SDEC) and identify personnel who will run the facility.
“The SEDC is a community-based facility that will serve as a venue for promoting preventive and developmental services for out-of-school youth and street children,” explained PSWDO chief Mariam Balindong Casim during a recent joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council.
While a building already exists in Barangay Sagonsongan in Marawi City, Casim said it still lacks essential resources like staff, equipment, and supplies to get drug education programs off the ground.
The PSWDO said the center should have a vocational room, tutoring room, counseling room, library, conference room, comfort room, sleeping quarters, parking area, kitchen, and office space for staff. Its location should also have access to community facilities like schools and hospitals, and it should be far from conflict areas and other structures that may pose hazards to all.
To effectively run the center, Casim elaborated on the need for a qualified team led by a social worker officer, supported by a full-time social worker, a manpower development officer, and administrative staff. The provincial government’s drug prevention efforts require the formation of a SEDC team.
Casin said this team would be led by the PSWD Officer and co-led by the provincial SK President, with representatives from the Department of Local Government, Provincial Health Office, Department of Education, community representatives, and the Bangsamoro Youth Commission as members.
“The Provincial Governor may further expand the team to include additional relevant stakeholders from concerned agencies and non-government organizations,” she added.
The SDEC’s establishment coincides with national efforts under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (MGLY/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
