The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) won first place in the 2022 Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) Innovative Awards-National level. Among the eight HEIs from all over the Philippines that submitted entries, AdDU was chosen as one of the top five and was later declared the winner of the award. AdDU represented Region XI Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by winning the Regional Level CHED PADS Innovative Awards on April 25, 2022.
The Commission on Higher Education spearheaded the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) Innovative Awards in accordance with RA 7722 and EO No. 66, S. 2018, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994” and “Institutionalizing the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy.” The activity aimed to showcase the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) strategies and innovative programs and projects related to drug prevention, education, and drug use control. The national-level awards were based on the same criteria as the regional-level awards, which included the following: (1) policies and structures implemented within the organization, (2) programs and projects implemented in the university and partner communities, (3) anti-illegal drugs extension and outreach services, and (4) the conduct of anti-illegal drugs related research.
The awarding was held last June 9, 2022, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Bajada, Davao City. On behalf of Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ, AdDU University President, the award was received by Dr. Roawie Quimba, RN, former Director and Member of the Board of Directors, and Ms. Mary Grace P. Monocillo, MSSW, RSW, the current Director of the Center Against Illegal Drugs (CAID). Mr. Roman Jano Rabe, AdDU Aerospace Engineering student and National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) President, also shared his experience in the Substance Abuse Prevention Education (SAPE) program of the ARRUPE Office of Social Formation (AOSF) during the event.