UP Manila Marks World Drug Day, Strengthens Commitment to a Healthy and Drug-Free University

July 01, 2026

Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit

(Seventh from left) Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Johanna Patricia Cañal, and Healthy University Office (HUO) Director Dr. Paul Michael R. Hernandez pose with the staff of the Healthy University Office (HUO) and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance (OVCAF) following UP Manila’s observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) on June 30, 2026, at the Joaquin Gonzalez Compound, UP Manila, reaffirming the university’s commitment to promoting a healthy, safe, and drug-free campus.

The University of the Philippines (UP) Manila continues to uphold its mandate in fostering a healthy and drug-free campus as it observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) during a flag ceremony on June 30, 2026, at the Joaquin Gonzalez Compound. Led by the Healthy University Office (HUO) and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance (OVCAF), the program carried the theme, “Investing in Prevention Towards a Drug-Free University,” emphasizing prevention as a key strategy in creating a safe and healthy academic environment.

Observed annually every June 26, World Drug Day highlights the importance of preventing drug abuse through education, health promotion, and community action.

Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Johanna Patricia Cañal commended HUO for its sustained efforts in promoting health and wellness across the university, including its leadership in advancing a drug-free workplace.

She also shared a recent institutional milestone, announcing that UP Manila had earned a five-star rating in the 2026 ASEAN University Network Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) Healthy University Rating System, with the awarding ceremony scheduled for October 2026 in Indonesia. The university previously received a four-star rating during its first application in 2024. Vice Chancellor Cañal recognized HUO’s contributions, noting that its work extends far beyond the university’s popular Wellness Wednesday activities. She emphasized that while UP Manila does not face a significant drug problem, the university remains committed to strengthening preventive measures and sustaining health promotion initiatives.

Beyond the observance of World Drug Day, Vice Chancellor Cañal encouraged members of the university community to reflect on their accomplishments as the year reaches its midpoint and to continue finding ways to contribute to the university.

“Gawin natin as best as we can yung trabaho natin. Pero over and beyond that, tingnan natin kung ano pa ang pwede nating magawa para sa UP,” she said.

The program also highlighted UP Manila’s continuing efforts to institutionalize a drug-free workplace policy. Vice Chancellor Cañal noted that, under the leadership of HUO, the university is developing policies based on scientific approaches to both preventive measures and therapeutic interventions related to drug abuse.

Dr. Paul Michael Hernandez, director of HUO and chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the College of Public Health, thanked the university leadership and partner offices for their support of the initiative.

“In terms of keeping UP Manila a healthy university, particularly with focus on prevention and control of illicit drug use, marami po kaming ginagawa at marami pa po tayong gagawin para po patuloy po nating makamit ang minimithi po natin na maging isang healthy university,” Hernandez said.

He added that HUO will continue implementing health promotion programs and encouraged members of the UP Manila community to participate in future activities, including Wellness Wednesdays and the upcoming Wellness on Wheels caravan.