The Colombo Plan is delighted to announce that Dr Benjamin P. Reyes, our Secretary-General, was recently conferred with the “International Humanitarian of the Year” award by the Coalition of Anti-Drug Communities of America (CADCA). This prestigious accolade was presented to the Secretary-General at the 23rd Mid-Year Training Institute Convention held last 15 July 2024, at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago, in recognition of H.E. Dr Reyes’ decades of leadership in the Prevention Movement, both in the Philippines and with the Colombo Plan.

CADCA aims to mobilize all sectors of a community to come together and effect social change. Established in 1992, CADCA represents over 7,000 community coalitions to prevent substance misuse through collaborative community efforts. 

The International Humanitarian Award is the first of its kind and is bestowed on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and made significant contribution to promoting and establishing local and international coalitions focused on preventing substance use disorders and mobilizing anti-drug networks.

H.E. Dr Reyes, the 8th Secretary-General of The Colombo Plan, previously served as the Secretary and Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board, the highest policy-making body on anti-drug concerns in the Philippines. H.E. Dr Reyes has worked with the Philippine Government since 1996, and has held diverse roles in the Philippine bureaucracy in multiple agencies.