Coolaire, PDEA conduct Drug Abuse Prevention Orientation for TIKYO Scholars
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — JRT Foundation, the charitable arm of Coolaire Consolidated Inc. (Coolaire), conducted a Drug Abuse Prevention Orientation for its TIKYO Scholars in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) last July 18, in alignment with its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The lecture is the third in the foundation’s Caring Initiative Series, which advocates for holistic student development through drug abuse awareness and prevention. The series directly supports the SDGs, particularly SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals.
“Students face challenges that can influence their future. Isa sa mahalagang maunawaan nila ay ang peligro ng illegal drugs at ang epekto nito sa kanilang kalusugan, pag-iisip, at kinabukasan,” said Corazon Santos, Coolaire SDG Lead and Program Advisor to the JRT Foundation, in her opening remarks.
The event gathered TIKYO Scholars from both public and private high schools, along with their parents, highlighting the importance of families in youth development.
Equipping scholars to make informed choices
Ana Higuit, Information Officer from the PDEA, led the orientation by discussing the causes of drug addiction in school settings, its physical and mental effects, and, subsequently, the Republic Act No. 1965 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Beyond technical knowledge, Higuit stressed that prevention remains the most important measure against drug abuse—and that both parents and students have an important role to play.
“Kailangan maging positive role models ang magulang para ma-safeguard ang well-being [ng mga bata] at magkaroon sila ng healthy lifestyle,” Higuit urged, adding that parents should also be attentive to signs that their children may be susceptible to addiction.
The scholars also learned how to support their friends who may be at risk of addiction.
“In connection to prevention, simple things like checking on someone, sa tingin natin maliit na or ordinary, […] pero kung meron tayong care, intention, and love, those actions become meaningful and will prevent bigger issues. [You] will be part of the solution,” Higuit encouraged.
The session further helped students recognize these warning signs within themselves and understand when to seek help. Their key takeaway was that one must reach out to trusted adults, parents, or guardians whenever they need support.
“The decision we make now will affect our future, either positively or negatively, so we should always choose what is right,” said Nolito III C. Laguno, a 15-year-old student from Barangay Estado National High School.
Investing in the future of Coolaire families
At the JRT Foundation, empowering young people to become well-rounded individuals remains at the heart of its programs. Guided by the principle, “Live with Meaning, Act with Purpose”, the foundation continues to equip its TIKYO Scholars with values that will help them make responsible decisions for their future.
“I hope na ang mga natutunan nila today ay makakatulong sa paggawa ng tama at responsableng desisyon. Always remember that one wrong choice can affect our health, family, and future,” said Gerald Orbe, Executive Director of the JRT Foundation, in his closing remarks.
Beyond supporting the scholars themselves, the initiative reflects the foundation’s dedication to the families behind Coolaire’s success. The company aims to help secure a brighter future for their children as a way of honoring their hard work and sacrifices in driving the company forward.
Interview and text by Raf Perez Inguito