Citation:

Hannah Lou L. San Diego, Rowela Cartin-Pecson. "The City Anti-Drug Abuse Council: Drug Surrenderers’ Perspectives" International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 33-41, 2026. Crossref. http://doi.org/10.56472/25835238/IRJEMS-V5I2P105

Abstract:

Drug addiction in the Philippines was recognized as a complex issue affecting public health, law enforcement, social stability, and human rights. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences, strategies, and perceptions of drug surrenderers, as well as the initiatives of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) of Mati City, Davao Oriental. The study involved 14 participants, with seven participating in in-depth interviews (IDI) and seven in a focus group discussion (FGD), selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis following the step-by-step process adapted from Naeem et al. (2023). The study aimed to inform effective health interventions and evidence-based, community-centered rehabilitation strategies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on substance abuse prevention and treatment. Analysis of the participants’ life stories revealed seven themes: Peer Influence and Social Belonging, Legal and Social Consequences, Personal Narratives, Economic Pressure for Survival, Discrimination and Social Stigma, Voluntary Submission, and Strong Social Support. Five themes emerged from the strategies and initiatives of CADAC, namely Spiritual and Moral Resurgence, Cognitive Processing and Documentation, Behavioral and Lifestyle Transformation, Social and Community Assistance, and Rehabilitation and Reintegration. Additionally, four themes described the participants’ perceptions of the programs: Transformation and Recovery, Positive Perception and Appreciation, Perceived Effectiveness, and Genuine Care and Support.

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Keywords:

Criminal justice, Drug addiction, Drug surrenderers, Phenomenological study, Community-based rehabilitation, City anti-drug abuse council, Substance abuse prevention, Mati City, Philippines.