KALIBO, Aklan – The campaign against illegal drugs in the country must employ “evidence-based approaches,” according to Charge d’ Affaires Michael Klecheski of the United States Embassy in Metro Manila.
“From our perspective, the drug problem is a continuously evolving problem. It always changes, so unfortunately, we always have to find new solutions,” Klecheski stressed.
Klecheski said this in a press conference on the first day of the 26th National Youth Congress on Drug Abuse Prevention Education held at the Governor Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center in this capital town.
The event started yesterday and will end on Thursday.
“One of the things that we stressed is the importance of the evidence-based approaches. [We must] not simply to react in one way but look at the circumstances as they evolve,” said Klecheski.
According to Klecheski, his presence in the event, along with members of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, means support for the Philippine campaign against illegal drugs.
He added that they are a partner of the Philippine Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).
DDB head Catalino Cuy, who was also in the event, said the youth will learn how to combat illegal drugs in the country in the four-day affair.
“The young people are an easy target of illegal drugs in the country. We are soliciting the support of the young people to network and fight the drug menace,” Cuy added.
Also present during the event’s opening were Rep. Robert Barbers (Surigao Del Norte, 2nd District), who chairs the House Oversight Committee on Dangerous Drugs, DDB deputy executive director Earl Saavedra, Aklan governor Florencio Miraflores, and Kalibo councilor Phillip Kimpo./PN
