Asean-ROK knowledge transfer seen to enhance PDEA capability

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) expects to enhance its operational capability with the implementation of a knowledge transfer project endorsed by the Supreme Prosecutors Office of Korea. PDEA has been chosen as the beneficiary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Republic of Korea Knowledge Transfer on Narcotics Crime project.

The project was implemented in the Philippines in March 2009.

Through the project, specialized trainings in Korea were separately sponsored for two chemists and two PDEA agents and laboratory and other logistical equipment worth P10 million were donated to the agency to enhance its laboratory and forensic capability.

The project also sponsored the agency’s demand reduction efforts by sponsoring three major anti-drug awareness activities in Pampanga, Baguio and Navotas.

“To PDEA, this project is beyond one-time donation . . . it is a seed entrusted to us, a seed that we would nurture and put to proper use to achieve our goal, that is a drug-free Philippines ,” PDEA Director General Dionisio Santiago said.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Republic of Korea, saying “our deepest appreciation goes to Ambassador Choi Joong Kyung of the Republic of Korea and Heo Chul Ho, director of the Narcotics Division of the Supreme Prosecutors Office.”

He added, “We also acknowledge the efforts of Hyun Soo Kim and Jong Heo Kim, the project coordinators who personally worked with us and supervised the implementation of the project in the Philippines.” –Sammy Martin, Manila Times