MANILA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government will pilot a drug prevention program for street children and out-of-school youth, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Dangerous Drugs Board said on Friday.
The integrated psychosocial program, dubbed "Program Silong," will be carried out at Special Drug Education Centers and provide psychosocial services, drug prevention education, family and community support, as well as assessments to track participants' progress.
DSWD official Helen Suzara called the initiative the first of its kind in the Philippines and the ASEAN region, saying the program is an important step in strengthening collective efforts to prevent drug abuse among children and young people.
The program will initially be rolled out in Metro Manila, Occidental Mindoro, and Zamboanga del Sur, with community volunteers and local government units involved in the implementation. ■