The United States government, through the Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), gathered international experts to train local government representatives in developing strategies to mitigate the impact of and reduce the demand for illegal drugs in the Philippines.

From October 31 to November 2, 120 delegates representing 19 local government units attended the 5th National Conference of Anti-Drug Abuse Coalitions on the theme 'Strengthening Prevention Strategies for Drug Free Communities,' organized by the US Embassy in the Philippines, the Association of Anti-Drug Abuse Coalitions of the Philippines, Inc. (AADAC), and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) in Makati City.