LGUS ADDRESSING DRUG PROBLEM THE WRONG WAY: POPCOM

Local government units are addressing the drug problem the wrong way,
as most only have programs against drug addiction and nothing on
family welfare and development, admitted Population Commission 11
Regional Director Maduh Damsani.

Damsani made the revelation during the launching of the State of the
Philippine Population Report 2003 in Davao City last Friday.

He said resources have been set aside for drug addiction, however it
still thrives.

"This is because drug addiction is but a symptom of a population gone
wrong and a family gone bad," he said. "It's high time we give equal
focus on the youth."

Damsani said that while LGUs claim to have youth and family welfare
programs, a closer look will reveal that youth programs are nothing
but sports, while family welfare programs rarely touch on
strengthening the family.

He said that as early as right after marriage, couples' relationship
starts to fray.

"We don't prepare our children for the marriage but the wedding," he
said.

For men, he said, the first challenges encountered right after
marriage are taunts from friends about "being under de saya" if the
husband opts to spend more time with his wife than with his friends.

"Every man would like to be a good father, but we say that a macho guy
does not stay at home. Ang sunod niyan, pag sumama na sasabihin naman,
eh bakit hindi ka gumagastos para sa inom, siguro under de saya ka
talaga," Damsani said.

The culture can have a great impact on the couple's relationship, he
said. SAE