PDEA partners with DepEd on campaign vs marijuana

By Joseph Zambrano

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The use of marijuana among high school students is going higher in the Cordillera, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

The PDEA Cordillera officials bared this saying they have partnered with Department of Education in campaign through lectures and seminars to educate students  on ill effects of using  illegal drugs.

Ronald Allan DG Ricardo, PDEA Cordillera regional director, said marijuana is top illegal drug used by high school students in the region.

One reason for this is marijuana is locally produced making it accessible to  students, Ricardo said.

He identified the provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province and Kalinga  where marijuana is cultivated.

High school students smoking cigarettes will likely try smoking marijuana, Ricardo said.

Among ill effects of taking marijuana include  rapid heartbeat, disorientation, lack of physical coordination, depression and panic attacks or anxiety.

Studies reportedly show regular marijuana use adversely affects mental health among young adults with increased risk of psychotic symptoms and disorders.

Moreover, students who use marijuana reportedly have high probability of dropping out  of school  or  achieving less educationally, as well as higher risk of delinquency and legal problems.

The Dangerous Drug Act mandates preventive education campaign in schools on illegal drugs while   DepEd is required to include it in its  curriculum  and teachers will have regular training.