1

Awareness of Senior High School Students on

Dangerous drugs

A Research Paper

Presented to

The member of the faculty of the College of Criminal Justice Education

IFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY
Nayon, Lamut, Ifugao

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements of the

Subject Criminological Research and Statistics

Hiblawan, Jay-an May L.

Buhhay, Joshua L.
Calingayan, Vincent Francis B.
Catteg, Jeppy B.
Cumahling, Divine Grace B.
Lindawan, Aileen B.
Mahiwo, Janvin B.
Namuhe, Unice D.
Tinnom Julius T.

May 2019
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Abstract

Since President Rodrigo Duterte’s taking of office last June 2016, eradicating
drug use took over in the country. Student’s involvement in drugs Drug education for
studentsStudent’s involvement of drugs

The conduct of this study aims to measure the level of awareness of the senior high
school students on the classifications, effects and the violations and penalties related to
dangerous drugs, to determine the factors influencing their awareness and to identify programs
initiated by the school or community to boost their awareness on dangerous drugs and lastly to
propose intervention program.

The descriptive method of research was used in this study. Questionnaire-checklist was
administered to the senior high school students who were the primary source of information
and that quota sampling is used in selecting respondents. This study was conducted to the
selected schools specifically Hapid National High School (Annex) located at Bimpal, Lamut,
Ifugao; Lawig National High School (main) at Lawig, Lamut Ifugao, Kiangan National High
School at Baguinge, Kiangan, Ifugao and Ifugao Academy at Poblacion, Kiangan, Ifugao.

Based from the results of the study: majority are knowledgeable on the classifications,
effects and penalties related to dangerous drugs; generally, factors such as reading
magazines, use of social media, online surfing/ searching, watching movies/ TV dramas,
watching news reports, peer influence, information education campaign and lessons
conducted in school has an impact to the cognizant of the respondents and; almost all of the
respondent firmly approved that symposium on issues regarding drug use, workshop on actual
situation regarding the prevention of drug use, seminars/ orientation on effects of drug use,
religious activities such as crusades and youth camps, outreach programs and fellowships,
sport activities, and boy scout/ girl scout is initiated by the school or community will increase
their familiarity in dangerous drug
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I. Rationale

Many students who belong to the youth of today’s generation are being swayed up
by their own problems and emotions which cause them to turn into drug use. Young people
may like the feelings of excitement, confidence and connection with others, and because of
poverty, curiosity, and personal problems. Being involved with drugs to elude problem is not
a good idea because it would cause problems other than problem on top of a problem
(Zelfox, 2017).

Moreover, Caday (2017) said that students manifest vulnerability to drug abuse.
Because of their immaturity and tender age, they have yet to develop the strength to resist
the thrill and the euphoria which the dangerous drugs offer. They have yet to uphold value
and internalize the behavioral norms which could help them cope with the social and
personal problems within the framework of socially, legally and morally acceptable
standards and that their defense mechanism against damaging influence of drugs is still
inadequate.

With today’s generation, youth had marked as a contributory factor of the country’s
problem. Crime in the country is rampant and that youth contributes to its commission as
Macaraeg (2019) said that there are more Child in Conflict with Law recorded by the PNP
belonging to the age groups 12 to 15 and 16-17, reaching thousands. With that some, are
involved in illegal drug activities as PDEA Plans and Operations Service Deputy Director
Maharani Gadaoni-Tosoc said from a press conference held at National Headquarters,
Quezon City last January 25, 2019 that from July, 2016 to December 31, 2018, a total of
1,954 minors were involved in and rescued in anti-drug operations (More minors rescued
from anti-drug operations in 2018: PDEA, 2019) and this is a very alarming issue.

Hence, the conduct of this study aims to measure the level of awareness of the
senior high school students on the classifications, effects and the violations and penalties
related to dangerous drugs, to determine the factors influencing their awareness and to
identify programs initiated by the school or community to boost their awareness on
dangerous drugs and lastly to propose intervention program to enhance their awareness on
dangerous drugs and prevention of its use.

This study will be serve as a reference for the role of the school administration. It will
be a basis for them to improve their responsibilities to their students and be a guide to them
on how to teach the students about dangerous drugs. Likewise, with the agencies such as
the Philippine National Police and the Department of Health for this will be as a ground for
them to raise awareness on students in an effective way.
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II. Review of Literature/Studies

The youth plays an important role in nation building. As Dr. Jose Rizal stated that “Youth
are the hope of the fatherland” in his book “To the Filipino Youth” (A La Juventud Filipina).
And as a hope of the fatherland, they have the power to transform the nation into a better
place and the ability to lead their fellow citizens into the right direction (Saskial, 2013).

As time goes by, rapid use of illegal drugs is increasing. Often, the students add-up to
the number of illegal drug users. Statistics of drug use in high school conducted in the
United States revealed that facts about teenage drug and alcohol abuse are 86% of them
know some who smokes, drinks, or does drugs during the school days. Existing studies
have found a high correlation between adolescent abuse and becoming a problem drug
user in adulthood (Chakravarthy, Shah &Lotfipour 2013).

Mediasshrinx (2017) said that children are the future of our world and their knowledge
should be something that we all invest into. Proper education about substance abuse is a
crucial preventative measure for kids and teenagers. When adults share factual information
about substance abuse, it helps kids develop a better sense of drug abuse awareness.
Without proper educational measures about the harmful effects of drugs, kids may develop
increased risks for becoming curious about drugs, falling prey to peer pressure, and try
drugs themselves. When kids experiment with drugs it places them in a high-risk category
for developing eventual drug tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

Prevention of substance abuse among adolescents requires awareness of

characteristics that place youth at risk and targeting risk factors that are modifiable as
Chakravarthy et al. (2013) said in his research “Adolescent Drug Abuse-Awareness and
Prevention. He mentioned that studies have attempted to identify risk factors associated
with adolescent drug and alcohol usage. Being aware of these risk factors can assist
families, health professionals, schools and other community workers with identifying at risk
youth and aid in reducing or eliminating risk factors through prevention and treatment
programs.

From the study of Kiriru (2018), it was established that when the students are aware of
the consequences associated with drug abuse, it reduced the number of times they abused
drugs. It is also revealed that drug abuse awareness among students that drug abuse
awareness had helped them stop abusing drugs.

Regarding the importance of teenage years in forming the future behaviours of

adolescents and the opportunities provided at schools, it is prudent to pay more attention to
interventions in this age group in order to increase their knowledge and correct their
attitudes toward illegal drugs and strengthening their confidence in this regard (Geramian,
et al., 2014).

Children are the future of our world and their knowledge should be something that
we all invest into. Proper education about substance abuse is a crucial preventative
measure for kids and teenagers. When adults share factual information about substance
abuse, it helps kids develop a better sense of drug abuse awareness. Without proper
educational measures about the harmful effects of drugs, kids may develop increased risks
for becoming curious about drugs, falling prey to peer pressure, and try drugs themselves.
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When kids experiment with drugs it places them in a high-risk category for developing
eventual drug tolerance, dependence, and addiction (Mediashrinx, 2017).

In the Philippines, most of the drug users in the Philippines are young people. It is
estimated by Dangerous Drug Board that there are as many as 3.7 million in the Philippines
are dealing with drug addiction just a year 2016, 65 percent of it is young people (Zelfox,
2017).

With the growing numbers of drug users among youth, the Philippine government
during the late 80’s recognized the need to educate the youth about the ill effects of using
illegal drugs and with that, drug education has been involved in the curricula of Department
of Education through the passage of the Republic Act no 6425 otherwise known as
“Dangerous Act of 1972”. It is under Article V of Section 29 which says that instruction on
the adverse effects of dangerous drugs, including their legal, social and economic
implications, shall be integrated into the existing curricula of all public and private schools,
whether general, technical, vocational or agro-industrial.

Repealing the RA 6425, Republic Act no. 9165 was signed into law were under
section 43 says that instruction on drug abuse prevention and control shall be integrated in
the elementary, secondary and tertiary curricula of all public and private schools, whether
general, technical, vocational or agro- industrial as well as in non-formal, informal and
indigenous learning systems.

Since some of the students have used illegal drugs and that most are at risk of using
illegal drugs, the Department of Education (DepEd) implemented a program which is a
Search for the Outstanding BarkadaKontraDroga (BKD) for secondary schools for School
Year (SY) 2017-2018) for them to become more actively involved in empowering the youth
in leading a healthy life that is drug free and productive. Education Secretary Leonor
Briones, in DepEd Memo No. 127 series of 2018, urged all secondary high schools with an
establish BK chapter to join the search. She noted that the search aims to maintain fully a
drug-free environment in the school, home, workplace and the community (Malipot, 2018).

The Governor of the Province of Ifugao, Honorable Pedro Mayam-o (2016), recently
issued Executive Order 16-14 creating the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC)
Technical Working Group (TWG) to provide operative mechanism for efficient and effective
implementation of the drug abuse prevention plan. The TWG will also provide, support and
updates to sustain timeliness of the provincial anti-drug abuse database and drug
prevention education materials that shall be formulated and maintain at the special drug
education center and perform related responsibilities (Bahni, et al. 2017).

With the implementation of RA 9165 otherwise known as “Comprehensive

Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”, drug education in the Philippines is enhanced. In section 2
of this Act, it was stated that it is the policy of the State to safeguard the integrity of its
territory and the well- being of its citizenry particularly the youth, from the harmful effects of
dangerous drugs on their physical and mental being, and to defend the same against acts
or omissions detrimental to their development and preservation. In view of the foregoing,
the state needs to enhance further the efficacy of the law against dangerous drugs, since
drug use is one of today’s serious social ills and thus under Sec. 43 – Instruction on drug
abuse prevention and control shall be integrated in the elementary, secondary and tertiary
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curricula of all public and private schools, whether general, technical, vocational or agro-
industrial as well as in non-formal, informal and indigenous learning systems.

Conducting a youth forum enhances the knowledge of the students regarding illegal
drugs. During the ASEAN 2017 Youth Forum at Ifugao Science High School on October 11,
2017, the Philippine Information Agency invited PDEA-CAR and conducted a lecture and
they discussed the ill-effects of drugs and the involvement of minors in the illegal drug trade
in the Region. The activity was attended by six hundred participants from the different
Senior High School in the Region. (PDEA Activities, Asian 2017 Youth Forum at Ifugao
Science High School, Lamut, Ifugao) Any activities or programs which is related to the
educational matters of illegal drugs are very beneficial because this somehow gives them
an idea about it and will withdraw them from the risk of using illegal drugs.

Objectives/Specific Problems

1. Determine the level of awareness of senior high school students on the

classifications, effects, and the violations and penalties related to dangerous drugs;

2. Ascertain the factors influencing the awareness of the students on dangerous drugs;

3. Identify the programs initiated by the school or community to boost awareness of

students;

4. Propose intervention program to enhance awareness of students on dangerous

drugs and prevention of its use.

III. Procedure/Methodology

The descriptive method of research was used in this study. This research used
quantitative method with a questionnaire-checklist that was administered to the senior high
school students who were the primary sources of information. The researchers used quota
sampling in selecting their respondents. This sampling technique was used to compute and
determine the target respondents needed in this study. A total of 200 Senior High School
Students were studied to assess their knowledge about Dangerous Drugs. The data were
collected with the use of specific questionnaire and self-administered method.

This study was conducted to the senior high school students in selected schools
specifically Hapid National High School (Annex) located at Bimpal, Lamut, Ifugao; Lawig
National High School (main) at Lawig, Lamut Ifugao, Kiangan National High School at
Baguinge, Kiangan,Ifugao and Ifugao Academy at Poblacion, Kiangan, Ifugao.

The (4) four Point-Likert’s response scale to obtain perception of the respondents
towards the items listed with the qualitative description was used.

IV. Discussion of Results

The questionnaire was comprised of three parts which include: awareness on the
classifications, effect and the violations and penalties related to dangerous drugs, factors
influencing the awareness of the students on dangerous drugs and programs initiated by
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the school or community to boost awareness of students on dangerous drugs. The result of
the study is described as follows:

Awareness of Senior High School Students on the Classifications, Effects,

Violations and Penalties related to Dangerous Drugs

Knowledge among students on the classification of dangerous drugs is important in

order to avoid using it when they had encountered such drug. As found by Embleton et.al.
(2013), 62% commonly reported learning about drugs from friends, 16% from
parents/guardians and 8% from friends. Knowledge on dangerous drugs also include
effects, violations and penalties.

Classification of Dangerous Drugs. Table 1 shows that students are moderately

aware on the classification of dangerous drugs after having an overall mean of 2.17.

Metamphetamine Hydrochloride or “Shabu” has a mean of 3.01 with a qualitative

description of aware.

Marijuana/ Marijuana Resin/Marijuana Resin Oil with a mean of 2.97. As found by

Candido (2018) marijuana was associated with a higher probability of using other illicit
drugs, such as students who made use of marijuana are seven times more likely to become
ether-spray users than the general generation. Butler (2016) revealed from her study that it
is worth acknowledging that many of the reasons why students abstained from marijuana
were related to the perception of marijuana use held by other people (e.g., a future
employer, a parent, a law enforcement officer,etc.).

John and Maria, the respondents said that it is because these are the common
drugs being discussed in their subject “Discipline and Ideas in Applied Social Sciences
(DIASS) and in symposiums conducted by the PNP.

This implies that the students has little knowledge regarding the classifications of
dangerous drugs and that if more drug education programs initiated to the students, they
will be able to know the different classes of dangerous drugs and will avoid the use of it.

With the low level of awareness of the students, this indicates that they haven’t tried
using it except for Shabu, Marijuana and Ecstasy in which is the students are aware of and
that it was affirmed by the study of Zelfox (2013) that shabu, marijuana, inhalants, solvent,
cocaine, diazepam and ecstasy are the most abused drug and substance among youths.

Table 1. Classification of Dangerous Drugs

Indicator Mean Qualitative Description
1. Opium 2.15 Moderately Aware
2. Morphine 1.98 Moderately Aware
3. Heroin 2.10 Moderately Aware
4. Cocaine 2.75 Aware
5. MetamphetamineHyroclochloride or “Shabu” 3.01 Aware
6. Marijuana/ Marijuana Resin/Marijuana Resin Oil 2.97 Aware
7. MetheleneDioxymethamphetamine or “Ecstacy” 2.41 Moderately Aware
8. Paramethyoxy Amphetamine (PMA) 1.81 Moderately Aware
9. Gamma Hydroxyampheramine (GHA) 1.59 Not Aware
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10. Trimethoxyamphetamine(TMA) 1.56 Not Aware

11. Lysergic acid Diethylamide (LSD) 1.55 Not Aware

Overall mean 2.17 Moderately Aware

With the study of Kiriru (2018), it was found that the more frequent students were
made aware of the effects and consequences of drug abuse and substance abuse, the less
they will want to indulge themselves in drug abuse and substance abuse. Thus, it is
important that the students must have to be aware on the ill effects of dangerous drugs.

Effects of Dangerous Drugs. Table 2 shows that the overall mean of effects on
dangerous drug is 2.23 with a qualitative description of moderately aware. This was not in
line with the study of Olatona (2013) to public secondary school students in Lagos, Nigeria
that more than 50 % knew the meaning of drug abuse, the dangers in using drugs wrongly
and the legal status of drug abuse. Furthermore, Embleton et al. (2013) found that many
(67%) are aware of the harms of using drugs and that 98 % responded that using drugs is
bad for a person’s health.

As per indicator, awareness on effects of Metamphetamine Hyroclochloride or

“Shabu” with a mean of 2.94 has a qualitative description of aware.

Marijuana/ Marijuana Resin/Marijuana Resin Oil with a mean of 2.89 has a

qualitative description of aware. From the study of Butler (2016), a large portion of those
who had never used marijuana (39%) said they believed the effects of marijuana was
undesirable.

This indicates that the respondents are little bit aware on the effects of dangerous
drugs and that if more orientations on the effects of drugs, cases of drug use among
students will be diminished.

Maria said that classroom discussion on the effects of dangerous are not detailed. “A
focused discussion about the effect of dangerous drugs will helps us know about the
specific outcome of using drugs”, John stated. Effects of Metamphetamine Hyroclochloride
or “Shabu”, Marijuana/ Marijuana Resin/Marijuana Resin Oil are being seen in social media
and being watched in televisions that is why they are aware on it.

Table 2. Effects on Dangerous Drugs

Indicator Mean Qualitative Description

A. Opium
Effects: damaged heart, lungs, liver and brain, loss of sex 2.45 Moderately Aware
drive, depression, slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness,
loss of consciousness, coma, death
B. Morphine
Effects: nausea, appetite loss, urinary retention, irregular heart 2.18 Moderately Aware
rate, chest pain, dizziness, confusion, agitation, seizures,
cyanosis, shallow breathing
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C. Heroin
Effects: sweating, malaise, anxiety, depression, general feeling 2.33 Moderately Aware
of heaviness, excessive yawning or sneezing, insomnia, cold
sweats, chills, severe muscle and bone aches, nausea and
vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, fever
D. Cocaine
Effects: disturbances in heart rhythm, headache, chest pain,
respiratory failure, strokes, nausea, heart attacks, and seizures, 2.72 Aware
hallucination, blood-borne diseases, paranoia, restlessness
E. MetamphetamineHyroclochloride or “Shabu”
Effects: dizziness, euphoria, loss of appetite, increased
alertness, increased heart rate and blood pressure, severe 2.94 Aware
mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, psychosis,
violent behavior, hallucinations, seizures, malnutrition, brain
damage, stroke, death
F. Marijuana/ Marijuana Resin/Marijuana Resin Oil
Effects: euphoria, laughter, vivid sensations, imagery and 2.89 Aware
hallucinations, persistent ideas, paranoia
G. MetheleneDioxymethamphetamine or “Ecstacy”
Effects: anxiety, depression, sleep problems, memory
problems, suppressed appetite, impulsive behavior, confusion, 2.44 Moderately Aware
aggressive, memory loss, lowered interest in sex, fatigue
H. Paramethyoxy Amphetamine (PMA)
Effects: accelerated and irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, 2 Moderately Aware
strong feeling of intoxication, death
I. Gamma Hydroxyamphetamine (GHA)
Effects: blurred vision, tremors, irregular breathing, loss of
coordination, collapse, rapid pounding heart, violent behavior, 1.92 Moderately Aware
hallucinations, seizures, depression, paranoia, lethargy,
tension, stroke, coma
J. Trimethoxyamphetamine(TMA)
Effects: stimulation, spontaneous bodily sensation, tactile
enhancement, nausea, pupil dilation, visual acuity 1.81 Moderately Aware
enhancement, wakefulness, increased libido, hallucinations,
K. Lysergic acid Diethylamide (LSD)
Effects: hallucination, altered sounds, anxiety and depression, 1.81 Moderately Aware
flashbacks, dilated pupils, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure,
psychosis, seizures, death

Overall mean 2.23 Moderately Aware

The Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of
2002 which repealed Republic Act no. 6425 otherwise known as Dangerous Act of 1972
discussed the title, unlawful acts, punishments and penalties and process and government
agencies.

Violation and Penalties. As gleaned from Table 3, violations and penalties has an
overall mean of 2.33 with a qualitative description of moderately aware.

The use of dangerous drugs with a penalty of a minimum of 6-month rehabilitation

(1st offense) and imprisonment ranging from 6 years and 1 day to 12 years and a fine
ranging from P50,000 to P200,000(2nd offense) has a mean of 2.39 that shows moderate
awareness of students. Also, importation of dangerous drugs and/or precursors and
essential chemicals with a mean of 2.37 and possession of dangerous drugs with a penalty
of life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from P500,000 to 10 million has a mean of
2.36 have a qualitative description of moderately aware.
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This signify that a more focused seminars and discussions to students about the
violations and penalties related to dangerous drugs will augment the students’ knowledge
and will cause fear and will not try to get involve to such drugs.

John said that these violations and penalties were discussed by the PNP on a symposium
through lecturing about Republic Act no. 9165 that was conducted in their school but they
do not clearly understand it except for the use of dangerous drugs with a penalty of a
minimum of 6-month rehabilitation (1st offense) and imprisonment ranging from 6 years and
1 day to 12 years and a fine ranging from P50,000 to P200,000(2 nd offense), importation of
dangerous drugs and/or precursors and essential chemicals with a penalty of life
imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from P500, 000 to P10 million , and possession of
dangerous drugs with a penalty of life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from
P500,000 to 10 million because they easily connect with the commonly violated in the
country and that it is mostly shown in social media from the discussion.

Article 11 of RA 9165 discussed therein the unlawful acts and penalties. Knowledge
on the RA 9165 also indicates awareness on unlawful acts and penalties of dangerous
drugs which is under Article II of the said law. With the study of Capistrano and Marciano
(2017) their respondents was least aware on the of unlawful acts under Article II after
having a mean of 2.17 likewise with the penalties imposed after having a weighted mean of
2.33.
Furthermore, from the study of Parmar (2018) it reveals that respondents had poor
knowledge and awareness regarding the punishment for the use of illegal drugs. However,
the study of Filasol et al. (2016) says otherwise that the respondents yielded the perception
of being fully aware of the provision of cultivation, importation, possession and selling of
dangerous drugs.

Table 3. Violations and Penalties Related to Dangerous Drugs

Indicator Mean Qualitative Description

VIOLATION PENALTIES
1. Importation of Dangerous Life Imprisonment to death 2.37 Moderately Aware
drugs and/or Controlled and a fine ranging from
Precursors and Essential P500,000 to P10 Million
Chemicals
2. Sale, Trading, Life Imprisonment to death 2.25 Moderately Aware
administration, and a fine ranging from
Dispensation, Delivery, P500,000 to P10 Million
distribution and
transportation of
Dangerous Drugs and/or
Controlled Precursors and
Essential Chemicals
3. Maintenance of Den, Dive Life Imprisonment to death 2.20 Moderately Aware
or Resort where and a fine ranging from
dangerous drugs are used P500,000 to P10 Million
or sold in any form
4. Being an employee or Imprisonment ranging from 12 2.11 Moderately Aware
visitor of den, dive or years and 1 day to 20 years
resort and a fine ranging from
P100,000 to P500,00
5. Manufacture of dangerous Life Imprisonment to death 2.29 Moderately Aware

Drugs and/or Controlled
Precursors and Essential
Chemicals
6. Illegal Chemical Diversion
of Controlled Precursors
and Essential Chemicals
7. Manufacture or Delivery of
Equipment, Instrument,
Apparatus and other
Paraphernalia for
Dangerous Drugs and/ or
Controlled Precursors and
Essential Chemicals
8. Possession of Dangerous
drugs
9. Possession of Equipment,
Instrument, apparatus and
other paraphernalia for
Dangerous Drugs
10. Possession of dangerous
Drugs during parties,
Social Gatherings or
Meetings
11. Possession of Equipment,
Instrument, Apparatus and
other Paraphernalia for
Dangerous Drugs Parties,
Social Gatherings or
Meetings
12. Use of Dangerous Drugs
13. Cultivation of Plants
classified as dangerous
drugs or are sources
thereof
14. Failure to comply with the
maintenance and keeping
of the original records of
transaction on any
dangerous drugs and/or
controlled precursors and
Essential Chemicals on
the part of practioners,
manufactures,
wholesalers, importers,
distributors, dealers, or
retailers
15. Unnecessary prescription
of Dangerous Drugs
11
and a fine ranging from
P500,000 to P10 Million
Imprisonment ranging from 12 2.17 Moderately Aware
years and 1 day to 20 years
and a fine ranging from
P100,000 to P500,00
Imprisonment ranging from 12 2.19 Moderately Aware
years and 1 day to 20 years
and a fine ranging from
P100,000 to P500,00
Life Imprisonment to death 2.36 Moderately Aware
and a fine ranging from
P500,000 to P10 Million
Imprisonment ranging from 6 2.30 Moderately Aware
mos and 1 day to 4 years and
a fine ranging from P10,000 to
P50,000
Life Imprisonment to death 2.15 Moderately Aware
and a fine ranging from
P500,000 to P10 Million
Life Imprisonment to death 2.20 Moderately Aware
and a fine ranging from
P500,000 to P10 Million
Minimum 6 mos 2.39 Moderately Aware
rehabilitation(1st offense),
Imprisonment ranging from 6
years and 1 day to 12 years
and a fine ranging from
P50,000 to P200,000(2nd
offense)
Life Imprisonment to death 2.30 Moderately Aware
and a fine ranging from
P500,000 to P10 Million
Imprisonment ranging from 1 2.08 Moderately Aware
year and 1 day to 6 years and
a fine ranging from P10,000 to
P50,000
Plus revocation of license to
practice profession
Imprisonment from 12 years 2.17 Moderately Aware
and 1 day to 20 years and a
fine ranging from P100,000 to
P500,000
Plus revocation of license to
practice profession
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16. Unlawful Prescription of Life Imprisonment to death 2.18 Moderately Aware

Dangerous Drugs and a fine ranging from
P500,000 to P10 Million

Overall mean 2.33 Moderately Aware

Factor Influencing the Awareness of the Students

As indicated from table 4, the list of factors influencing their awareness on

dangerous drugs are influential after having an overall rating of 2.98. With the result of the
findings, indicators show that reading magazine with 2.54 mean has a qualitative
description of slightly influential and that use of social media with a mean of 3.29 was rated
the highest with a qualitative description of highly influential and online searching/surfing
with a mean of 3.18 indicating as influential.

This points youths must increase their level of awareness regarding dangerous
drugs through these factors in order not be a victim of such drug and to help eradicate one
of the ill problems of the country.

Youth nowadays are active in social media and no wonder why use of social media
is highly influential to the respondent. Mass media is very important to convey the youth not
to be involved in dangerous drugs. Media avenues might include billboards, newspapers,
radio, and television, as well as collaborations with the entertainment industry, music,
videos, and interactive media (Preventing Drug Abuse, 2001).

Maria and John said that use of gadgets is the common way to get information rather
than reading books or magazines. Though books and magazines contains complete and
factual information, they have a least interest of reading it. Further, they said that use of
gadgets to connect on social media and online searching/ surfing is more effective in
attracting their interest in acquiring information about dangerous drugs.

Mass media campaigns are usually implemented via television and radio, newspaper
or magazine advertisements, billboards and road posters and can also be through internet,
text messaging and email ( Perspective on Drugs: Can mass media campaigns prevent
young people from using drugs?, 2018). However, pooled analysis of studies found that
media campaigns had no effect on reduction of use and a weak intention to use illicit
substances.

Table 4. Factors Influencing the Awareness of the Students on Dangerous Drugs

Indicators Mean Qualitative Description

1. Reading of Magazines 2.54 Slightly Influential

2.Use of social media 3.29 Highly Influential

3.Online searching/surfing 3.18 Influential

4.Watching of movies or TV dramas 3.14 Influential

5.Watching of News reports 3.11 Influential

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6.Peer Influence 2.69 Influential

7.Information Educational Campaign 2.88 Influential

8.Lessons conducted in school 2.97 Influential

Overall Mean 2.98 Influential

Sharing the factual information dangerous drug use will provide them awareness in
handling and protecting themselves against its negative effects. Engaging students in drug
education activities assist them to make healthy and safe choices and identify risky
situations (Drug Education, 2018).

Programs Initiated by the School or Community

Table 5 indicates that the respondents strongly agree on the programs initiated by
the school or community to boost their awareness on dangerous drugs after having an
overall rating of 3.28 with a qualitative description of strongly agree. As per indicator,
symposium on issues regarding drug use with a mean of 3.44 and seminars/ orientation on
effects of drug use with a mean of 3.48 which indicates that the respondents strongly agree
with these programs.

This implies that attending programs initiated by the school or community will boost
awareness of students on dangerous drugs.

“Symposium on issues regarding drug use, seminars/ orientation on effects of drug

use has a great impact to us because this type of learning is an effective activity which adds
up to our knowledge”, John,one of respondent said. Maria said that knowing about the
symposium, seminar or orientation to be conducted to them will help them to be ready on it,
thus this helps them focus in listening during the symposium, seminar or orientation which
effectively enhance their knowledge on it.

Kiririru (2018) stated that more awareness programs are encouraged in institutions
of learning so that cases of drug abuse among students can be diminished. She further
stated that, if the universities and other learning institutions are involved in drug awareness
campaigns, the number of student who are victim of accidents associated with drug and
substance abuse would gradually be reduced.
Additionally, helping teens to better understand the full impact of drug use can lower
their risk of addiction as well as give them information to share with friends and family
(Mediashrinx, 2017). Thus, drug awareness programs prevent drug abuse need to be
implemented in primary school age children in which this can be considered as the first step
in preventing most young people from using drugs (Laoniramai et al, 2005).

Table 5. Programs Initiated by the School or Community to boost Awareness of the Students

Indicators Mean Qualitative Description

1. Symposium on Issues Regarding Drug 3.44 Strongly Agree

Use
2. Workshop on Actual Situation Regarding 3.22 Agree
the Prevention of Drug Use
3. Seminars/Orientation on Effects of Drug 3.48 Strongly Agree
 14

Use
4. Religious Activities such as Crusades 3.29 Strongly Agree
and Youth Camps
5. Outreach Programs and Fellowships 3.19 Agree
6. Sport Activities 3.34 Strongly Agree
7. Camping (Boys Scout, Girls Scout) 2.99 Agree
8. Others, please specify:
Overall Mean 3.28 Strongly Agree

VI. Conclusion

Based from the results of the study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. The majority are knowledgeable on the classifications, effects and penalties

related to dangerous drugs.

2. Generally, factors such as reading magazines, use of social media, online surfing/
searching, watching movies/ TV dramas, watching news reports, peer influence, information
education campaign and lessons conducted in school has an impact to the cognizant of the
respondents.

3. Almost all of the respondent firmly approved that symposium on issues regarding
drug use, workshop on actual situation regarding the prevention of drug use, seminars/
orientation on effects of drug use, religious activities such as crusades and youth camps,
outreach programs and fellowships, sport activities, and boy scout/ girl scout camping
which is initiated by the school or community will increase their familiarity in dangerous
drugs.

VII. Recommendations

1. Seminars and orientations must be participated by the Senior High School

students in order to be knowledgeable on Republic Act no. 9165 otherwise known as
“Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 and undergo workshops and trainings to elevate
their awareness on classifications, effects and violations and penalties related to dangerous
drugs.

2. Maintaining the use of social media, online surfing/ searching, watching movies/
TV dramas, watching news reports, in reading and watching about drugs and its effects and
consequences of getting involved, peer influence in the facts about drugs and its
avoidance, information education campaign and lessons conducted in school in order to
influence their awareness on dangerous drugs.

3. Programs like symposium on issues regarding drug use, workshop on actual

situation regarding the prevention of drug use, seminars/ orientation on effects of drug use,
religious activities such as crusades and youth camps, outreach, outreach programs and
fellowships, sport activities, and Boy Scout/ Girl Scout camping must be actively joined by
the Senior High School students in order to boost their awareness on dangerous drugs.
 15

Intervention Program
An intervention program is created to enhance awareness of students on dangerous
drugs and prevention of its use.

The effectiveness of this intervention program is through the full cooperation of the
students, collaboration of the school administration, intervention of a responsive community
and support of the related agency as the PNP and Health services and the religious
leaders. Some of the activities was copied from the “Foundation for a Drug Free World”.
I. Rationale

Youths play an important role in progress and development of our nation because
our country’s success lies on the hands of the youths. Their actions contribute to the
development of our nation but if they engage in illegal activities such as using illegal drugs,
they will become the problem of the nation and hinder its progress. To avoid this to happen,
awareness on the dangerous drugs is necessary to prevent them in involving from illegal
drugs.
In the light of the findings of the study, school-based and community based activities
will be conducted as an intervention program. These School-based-and community-based
activities require the collaborative efforts and participation of the school administrator, the
students and the community to be able to achieve its aims which are to establish a drug-
free schools, raise awareness on the students on the dangerous drugs and to prevent the
student in the involvement of dangerous drugs.

III. Objectives
1. To establish a drug-free schools.
2. To establish awareness on the students on the dangerous drugs.
3. To prevent the student in the involvement of dangerous drugs.
 16

VIII. Reference

Alhyas P. & Oixaiba N. (2015) Adolescents’ Perception of Substance Use and Factors
Influening its Use. Retrieved from: Https:// journals. Sag epub.com

Bahni, MR. B. et.al.(2017) Factors Affecting the Performance of Police Personel in Drug-
Related Operation in Lagawe Municipal Police Station. (undergraduate thesis)
Ifugao State University, Lamut, Ifugao.

Butler L. C. (2016) Getting Stoned: Marijuana Use among University Students. Retrieved
from: https://etd.ohiolink.edu/!etd.send_file?accession=ohio460203414&disposition=
inline

Caday, F. B. (2017) Causes of Drug Abuse among College Students: The Philippine
Experience. Retrieved from: http://valleyinternational.net/index.php/theisjsshi/ article/
download/789/774

Candido, F.J. (2018) The Use of Drugs and Medical Students: a Literature Review.
Retrieved from: www.saelo.br/ scielo. Php? Script=sci-arttext & pid=solo4-
42302018000500462 & lng=en & nrm=iso &tlng=en

Capistano & Marciano (2017) Level of Awareness of Barangay Dili Residents on

Republic Act. 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
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of Barangay- Dili-Residents-or-Republic act-No-9165-or-Comprehensive-
Dangerous Drugs-Act-of-2002
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Chakravarthy, B, Shah,S&Lotfipour, S. (2013) Adolescent Drug abuse- Awareness and

Prevention. Retrieved from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC 3734705/

Drug Education (2018). Retrieved from https://www.education. vic. Gov. au/School/

teachers/teachingresources/discilpline/physed/pages/drugeducation.aspx.
Drug Prevention Activities: Reaching youth Before Drugs Do.
Retrieved from https:// ww.drugfreeworld.org/takeationreaching-youth-
before-drugs-do.html

Embleton, L., et.al (2013) Knowledge, Attitude and Substance Use Practices Among
Street Children in Western Kenya. Retrieved from
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Filasol, MJ. P., Recolit, G. B., & Yanez, RJ. G., (2016) Level of Awareness on R.A. 9165
(Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) Among Secondary and Tertiary
Students. Retrieved from: https://asianscientificjournals.com/new/publication/index.
Php/acjr/article/view/113

Foundation for a Drug-Free world. Retrieved from: https://www.drugfreeworld.org

Geramian, N., et.al (2014) Development of Questionnaire to Assess Drug Abuse among
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Kiriru, A. (2018) Effects of Awareness on Substance Abuse among University Students

in a Selected Private University in Kenya. Retrieved from:
http://arjess.org/social-
sciences-research-/effect-of0awareness-on-substance-abuse-among
university-
students-in-a- selected- schools

Macaraeg, P. (2019) How Many Child Criminals Are There in the Philippines. Retrieved
from: // www.squiremag.ph/politics/children-crime-statistics-philippines-900287-
20190129

Mediashrinx (2017) Drug Abuse Awareness. Retrieved from:

https:// www.allaboutrecoveryinc.com/drug-abuse-awareness
Malipot, M.H. (2018) DepEd to Conduct Search for the Outstanding BarkadaKontra
DrogaProgram Implementers’. Retrieved from https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/16

More minors, rescued from anti-drug operations in 2018: PDEA (2019).

Retrieved from https:// manila-shimbun.ph/news/more-minors-rescued-from-anti-
drug-operations-in-2018

Olatona, F.A. (2013, Attitude and Practice of Drug Abuse among Public Secondary
SchoolStudents in Lagos.Retrieved
from:Https:// www.Researchgate.net./Publication/3086976454 knowledge-
attitude-and-practice-of-Drug-abuse-among-public-secondary-school
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students- in-Lagos

Parmar, P. (2018) Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Substance Addiction Among

Medical Students of Valsad, Gujarat. Retrieved from: https://crimsonpublishers.com/
fsar/ fulltext/ FSAR.000585

Perspective on Drugs: Can Mass Media Campaigns Prevent Young People from Using
Drugs? (2018). Retrieved from: https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/topics/pods/mass-
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School, Lamut,Ifugao (2017). Retrieved from http://
pdea.gov.ph/images/REGIONALOFFICES/ROCAR

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https:// www.nap.edu/read/10021/chapter/9

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http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/research/Philippines?RA_9165.html

Saskial(2013) The Role of the Youth in Nation Building. Retrived from:

https:// www.teenink.com/hot. topics/all/articlr/533316/The-Role- of -the -in-
Nation- Building/
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from https://blog.politicsmeanspolitics.com/why -majority-of-drug-users-in-the-
philippines-is-youth-57f323707e2d
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