SENATOR Nancy Binay is seeking the enactment of a measure mandating the establishment of an education program designed to help all members of an educational institution to avoid involvement with illegal drugs.

In filing Senate Bill 1367 or the proposed Drug Abuse Prevention Program in Educational Institutions Act, Binay said “drug abuse is a social problem that persists despite the stiff penal sanctions provided by our criminal laws.”

Binay explained that her bill aims to provide measures to prevent drug abuse by educating the youth to avoid involvement with illegal drugs.

Under the bill, educational institutions are required to maintain drug counseling and rehabilitation services for all students and employees.

The measure also requires educational institutions to submit to the Secretary of Education a report on campus activities related to illegal drugs.

The report shall include a listing of the major educational activities concerning illegal drugs conducted during the year; a report on any illegal drug-related incidents, including any sanctions imposed; an assessment of the effectiveness of the campus program; and any proposed changes in the policy on illegal drugs.

Also, under the bill, the Education Secretary is mandated to prepare a model program for education, counseling and rehabilitation which shall be distributed to all educational institutions.