All About the Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program (FDAPP)

Drug abuse is a serious problem not only in the Philippines, but worldwide. Based on a study by the Social Technology Bureau (STB) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), there has been a rise in cases of drug abuse in many parts of the country, and even outside the Philippines, as well.

Moreover, the study found that many cases of domestic violence and family breakdown were related to drug and substance abuse. Hence, it can be noted that drugs and substance abuse poses a grave threat to many families. To address this problem, the STB came up with the Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program (FDAPP).

Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program FDAPP
Image Credit: stb.dswd.gov.ph

What is FDAPP?

The Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program (FDAPP) is a community-based prevention program that is designed to educate families and communities on the negative effects of drug abuse. The program goes in line with the provisions of Republic Act 9165 or the “Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” which recognizes the important roles of the family in educating its members about the adverse effects of dangerous drugs.

The legal bases of the program include the following:

  • 1987 Philippine Constitution, which mandates the State to recognize the family as the foundation of the nation, and accordingly strengthen its solidarity and promote its development;
  • Executive Order 209 or the “Family Code of the Philippines,” which affirms that the family is a basic social institution which public policy protects and cherishes;
  • Letter of Instruction No. 1 (LOI #1) of former President Macapagal-Arroyo, signed on July 4, 2001, which mandates the DSWD to lead in the implementation of the Family Solidarity Development Program in the Prevention of Drug Abuse;
  • Republic Act 9165 or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” which states that the family shall be primarily responsible for the education and awareness of its members on the ill effects of dangerous drugs; and
  • Presidential Decree 603 or the “Child and Youth Welfare Code,” which states the right of every child to a wholesome family life that will provide him with love, care, understanding, guidance counseling, and national security.

Notably, in April 2004, Administrative Order No. 16 Series of 2004, entitled, “Guidelines in the Implementation of the Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program (FDAPP),” was released by the DSWD.

Objectives of the Program

The FDAPP seeks to achieve the following objectives:

  • Create awareness of families and communities on the underlying causes of drug abuse and its ill effects;
  • Promote family life enrichment, strengthen Filipino family values, and enhance relationships among its members; and
  • Mobilize families in the promotion of effective parenting and a drug-free home and community.

Target Beneficiaries

The target beneficiaries of the program are families who are vulnerable to and potentially at-risk of drug use and abuse. These include families who:

  • Are residing in barangays, sitios, or puroks with high incidence of drug abuse;
  • Have members involved or has history of drug abuse;
  • Have members who feel inadequate in their respective family roles and need help to function (e.g. first-time parents, solo parents);
  • Have members who are not meeting their needs or discontended in current situations;
  • Are experiencing stressful life situations at home, schools, and communities; and
  • Whose means of livelihood demand graveyard shift or longer working hours.

Components of the Program

The FDAPP is comprised of three (3) main components:

1. Organization of Family Councils

This involves the organization of families into family councils, in order to identify needs, discuss possible solutions, provide socio-emotional support during times of struggles and challenges, and advocate on drug abuse prevention in the community.

2. Capacity Building of Families and Service Providers

This involves training on health, social cultural, psychological, legal, and economic dimensions and implications of the drug problem.

3. Advocacy, Networking, and Social Mobilization

This when local Anti-Drug Abuse Councils provide referral services and carry out information and education activities, in order to promote a drug-free home and community.

Interestingly, the implementers of the program include: Barangay Council, civic and non-government organizations (NGOs), children and young people’s groups, families, churches, and schools.

Pilot Areas

The pilot implementation of FDAPP was done in Bacolod City (Region VI) and Davao City (Region XI).

In 2005, the project was launched in Barangay Punta Taytay in Bacolod City. The community became receptive to FDAPP. As a result, illegal activities were exposed. In fact, two prominent figures of the trade were apprehended in one of the barangay’s beach resorts, including a big time financier and a supplier. After a buy-bust operation, operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) of Negros Occidental caught in their possession an estimated 100 grams of shabu.

After the pilot implementation, here are some general findings regarding the program:

  • Increased level of awareness among the residents on drug-related issues;
  • Significant decrease in petty crimes committed by substance users, especially out-of-school youth (OSY);
  • Increased level of enthusiasm on sports activities versus involvement in illegal activities, as indicated by sports events where known substance users and offenders actively participated;
  • Increased number in parents’ attendance in daily livelihood activities;
  • Increase in family income due to lively local tourism industry, as a result of a more peaceful community;
  • People’s active participation in almost all government-sponsored projects;
  • Decline in actual Barangay records of cases filed related to illegal drugs; and
  • More cooperative and active constituents participating in Barangay Information Intelligence Network, which is the operator of the continuing program of (Barangay Peace and Order Council) BPOC and (Barangay Anti-Drig Abuse Council) BADAC efforts.

Video: Implementation of FDAPP in Santol, La Union

In February 2023, the municipality of Santol, La Union, and DSWD Region 1 signed an agreement on the implementation of FDAPP in the locality. The community-based prevention program sought to provide information to residents regarding illegal drugs.

Check out the following news report about the program, as shared by PTV Cordillera on Facebook:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions — and answers — about the program:

1. What is FDAPP?

FDAPP stands for “Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program,” a community-based prevention program designed to educate families and communities regarding the negative effects of drug abuse.

2. What are its objectives?

The program seeks to: (a) create awareness of families and communities on the causes of drug abuse and its ill effects; (b) promote family life enrichment, strengthen Filipino family values, and enhance relationships among its members; and (c) mobilize families in the promotion of effective parenting and a drug-free home and community.

3. Who are its target beneficiaries?

Generally speaking, the target beneficiaries of the program are families who are vulnerable to and potentially at-risk of drug use and abuse.

4. What are its components?

The main components of the program are: (a) organization of family councils; (b) capacity building of families and service providers; and (c) advocacy, networking, and social mobilization.

5. How can I learn more about it?

You can learn more about FDAPP by going to the nearest DSWD Office in your area.

Contact Information: Social Technology Bureau

For those who are based in the National Capital Region (NCR), you can address your questions and concerns about FDAPP to the Social Technology Bureau (STB), which is located at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City. Its office hours are between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Address: Social Technology Bureau, 3rd Floor, Matapat Building, Department of Social Welfare and Development – Central Office, IBP Road, Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City
Telephone: +632 8951 7124 / 8951 2802 / 8931 8144
Email: soctech@dswd.gov.ph
Website: https://stb.dswd.gov.ph/

Google Map:

NOTE: For those who are based outside the NCR, you can contact the Regional Social Technology Unit (STU) in your province or region. Check out the STU directory for their contact details.

Infographic About Project

Notably, here is an infographic featuring an overview of the FDAPP:

Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program FDAPP
Image Credit: stb.dswd.gov.ph

Final Thoughts

Indeed, drug abuse is one of the most serious and prevalent problems not only in the Philippines, but around the world. Fortunately, through initiatives such as FDAPP, we can actively engage families and communities in addressing this problem and help transform the lives of drug users and offenders.

Aside from FDAPP, there’s another DSWD initiative that deals with the drug problem. Check out this article to learn all about the department’s Special Drug Education Centers.