Managing Drug-Free Communities: Stories of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) Chairpersons

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Badac) Chairperson managing drug free communities. Specifically, sought to the following specific problems: the experiences of the informants in managing drug prevention program, addressing the problems encountered by the informants, and their aspirations to improve the management of drug prevention programs in their barangays. A phenomenological and qualitative approach was employed, utilizing interviews as the primary data collection method. Ten BADAC Chairpersons, randomly selected but meeting specific qualifications and possessing extensive experience in the subject matter, were individually interviewed. The research was conducted in the top ten barangays in Talisay City, Cebu, known for high drug case numbers. A validated interview guide, supplemented by voice recordings for transcription, was used. Edmund Husserl's transcendental phenomenological analysis was applied to analyze the interview responses. The findings are articulated in emergent themes. Six emergent themes described the positive and negative experiences of the informants on the rehabilitation program. For the positive experiences, two emergent themes were developed, namely: Empowered Communities: Resilient Defense, and Governance and Partnership: A Winning Art. For the negative experiences, two emergent themes were also developed, to wit: My Life and my Family’s Life are at Stake and Almost a Futile Fight Against a Hydra. Meanwhile, two emergent themes were formulated to explain the informants’ coping with the challenges encountered during managing drug prevention program, namely: Creating a Drug-free community; a noble goal and A Strong Stand of Collaboration and Cooperation. Finally, two emergent themes were created to express the aspirations of the informants to improve the program, to wit: Unstoppable Duo: Resilience and Care and Trailblazing Leaders: A Positive Change. To enhance program effectiveness, the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) Chairperson, the driving force behind grassroots drug prevention efforts, needs support. Therefore, I recommend implementing a structured program that prioritizes the mental and emotional well-being of BADAC members through access to counseling or mental health professionals and scheduled team retreats. Lastly, PDEA should train barangay officials on drug identification, investigation, legal procedures, and community-based prevention strategies to strengthen collaboration and effective anti-drug initiatives.