Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

DILG-NAPOLCOM Center, EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City
http://www.dilg.gov.ph

AMENDED DILG MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2006-150 ON ESTABLISHMENT AND

OPERATION OF SPECIAL DRUG EDUCATION CENTERS (SDEC) FOR OUT OF SCHOOL
YOUTH (OSY) AND STREET CHILDREN

Memorandum Circular No. _________________

___________________________________________________________________________

1. PREFATORY STATEMENT
Section 46 of R.A. No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of
2002, provides that “With the assistance of the Board, the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG), the National Youth Commission (NYC), and the Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall establish in each of its Local/Municipal/provincial office.
Special Drug Education Center (SDEC) for Out-of-School Youth (OSY) and street children”.
Pursuant to the above-mentioned provision, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) promulgated
Board Regulation No.1, s. 2003, providing for the guidelines on the establishment and
operationalization of the Special Drug Education Center (SDEC). Based on the said Board
Regulation, SDEC is defined as a community-based facility, which serves as a venue in promoting
preventive and developmental services for the OSY and street children. It shall promote programs
for drug abuse prevention with the end in view of educating the OSY and street children regarding
the pernicious effects of drug abuse thereby contributing to their total development as self-reliant
and socially responsible member of the society.
Relative to the above, this Department Memorandum Circular issued a Circular entitled
“Establishment and Operation of Special Drug Education Centers (SDEC) for out of school youth
(OSY) and street children” dated November 07, 2006. The said circular provides the
implementing policies on SDECs. With the growing demands of anti-illegal drugs intervention,
and to update the said policy to include new guidelines, processes, and tools to better implement
SDECs, thus the need for this amendment.

2. SCOPE/COVERAGE

All Provincial Governors, City/Municipal Mayors, DILG Regional/Provincial/City Directors and

City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officers and all others concerned.

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3. DEFINITION OF TERMS

For purposes of this Policy, the following definitions apply, unless otherwise stated:

3.1 Street Children - Below eighteen (18) years of age, young boys and girls found in urban
areas who have adopted the streets as their habitual abode and/or source of livelihood.

3.2 Out-of-School youth (OSY) - Below eighteen (18) years of age, not enrolled in any formal
or vocational school not formally employed and not a tertiary level graduate.

3.3 Out of School youth and Street Children over (18) of years of age – Client/s fall under
this category will refer to their local/municipal/provincial ADACs for the assessment and/
or processing of applications in Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program
(CBDRP).

3.4 Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) - is an integrated model for

drug users with moderate risk for drug dependence and with mild severity of addiction. It
provides a continuum of care from outreach and low threshold services through active
coordination among a number of health, social, and other non-specialist services needed
to meet client’s needs.

4. POLICY CONTENT AND GUIDELINES

4.1 The operationalization of the SDEC shall be guided by the following principles:

4.1.1 Child participation in terms of involving the young people in program designing,
planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities to ensure that
it is acceptable and relevant to them;

4.1.2 Protection against abuse and exploitation; and

4.1.3 Recognition of diverse characteristics and needs of children and youth.

4.2 General Features of the Center

4.2.1 The SDEC shall serve as a venue in the delivery of services/activities in

the implementation of drug abuse prevention program for out-of-school
youth and street children. The facility shall include vocational room, tutoring
room, counseling room, library, conference room, comfort rooms, sleeping
quarters, dining area, kitchen, and office space for the staff.

4.2.2 The Center’s location shall have access to community facilities, such as
schools, churches and hospitals and must be far from conflict areas, cliff
rivers, gas and power stations, and other structures that may post hazards
to all.

4.2.3 LGUs with the existing facilities providing similar or related services may
use the same facilities as SDEC.

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4.3 Organizational Structure of the Center

4.3.1 As indicated in DDB Regulation No. 1, Series of 2003, the SDEC shall be
carried out by the local government unit and may be adopted by non-
government organizations, people’s organizations, civic and religious
organizations. It may be established either in an existing or new facility in
the community.

4.3.2 Whether established by a Local Government Unit or Non-Government

Organization, the SDEC should have a written organizational chart
reflecting the units, positions and relationships between and among the
personnel and the body which governs the Center.

4.3.3 For SDECs managed by Local Government Units (Provincial, City, and
Municipality) the Center shall consist of an SDEC Team organized by the
Provincial Governor, City or Municipal Mayor.

4.3.3.1 Special Drug Education Center Team (SDECT)

4.3.3.1.1 Provincial Level - The Provincial Governor shall

organize a Provincial Special Drug Education Center
Team (PSDECT) to be composed of, but not limited to,
the following:

a. Team Leader: Provincial Social Welfare

Development Officer (PSWDO)
b. Co-Team Leader: Provincial SK Federation
President
c. Members: DILG Provincial Director, Provincial
Health Office Representative, Department of
Education Representative, NYC Representative,
Women and Children Desk Officer/Representative
from PNP, Community Representative, Other
volunteers.
d. The Provincial Governor may include other
concerned agencies and/or NGOs as members.

4.3.3.1.2 City/Municipal Level - The City/Municipal Mayor shall

organize a City/Municipal Special Drug Education
Center (C/MSDECT) with the following composition:

a. Team Leader: City/Municipal Social Welfare

Development
b. Co-Team Leader: City/Municipal SK Federation
President
c. Members: DILG City Director, City Local
Government Operation Officer (CLGOO)/Municipal
Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) (as
appropriate), City/Municipal Health Office

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 Representative, Department of Education
Representative, NYC Representative, Women and
Children Desk Officer/Representative from PNP,
Community Representative, Other volunteers
d. The City/Municipal Mayor may include other
government agencies and NGOs as members.

4.3.3.2 Responsibilities of SDEC Team (SDECT)

4.3.3.2.1 Develop and implement programs and services on drug

abuse prevention among the OSY and street children
and coordination/integrate/utilize related
activities/services of other agencies. Programs and
activities may include the following components as
provided for in the DDB Regulation No. 1, s. 2003. (i.e.
Advocacy and Social Preparation; Technical Assistance
and Capability Building for Implementers; Networking
and Resource Generation; Data Banking and
Documentation; Monitoring and Evaluation; Service
Delivery; and Replication);

4.3.3.2.2 Operate and manage the SDEC according to

established guidelines set by the DSWD;

4.3.3.2.3 Provide the facilities, funds, personnel complement,

supplies, materials and equipment deemed necessary
in the management of the Center and implementation of
drug abuse prevention activities;

4.3.3.2.4 Identify target clientele and manage their cases;

4.3.3.2.5 Ensure that the SDEC complies with the standards

developed on the operation of the Center, as approved
by the DDB;

4.3.3.2.6 Prepare a two-year Work and Financial Plan reflecting

the activities to be undertaken;

4.3.3.2.7 Conduct Community assemblies. Through these

assemblies, the number of OSY and street children and
their needs/problems could be identified. This activity
and the data gathered from such should result in and be
the basis of plans formulated for the target group;

4.3.3.2.8 Organize and mobilize volunteers to assist in the

implementation of drug abuse prevention program in
coordination with the P/C/MSWDO;

4.3.3.2.9 Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of the SDEC

following the standards set, including documentation of

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 the operation of SDEC in the implementation of drug
abuse prevention program;

4.3.3.2.10 Submit semi-annually and annual accomplishment

reports. Reports shall be submitted to Dangerous Drugs
Board and DSWD cc: DILG (see attached - annex 1.0
and 2.0) every 30th day of the ensuing month for semi-
annual reporting, and every 30th day of the first month of
the ensuing year for the annual reporting;

4.3.3.2.11 Every 30th day of the ensuing month for semestral

reporting and every 30th day of ensuing year for the
annual reporting submitted to the Dangerous Drugs
Board and DSWD cc: DILG (see attached - annex 1.0
and 2.0);

4.3.3.2.12 Maintain files/records of the OSY and street children.

These shall be used to monitor the progress of the
child/youth and their families as a reference in providing
the necessary services;

4.3.3.2.13 Meet at least once a month. Whenever necessary,

special meetings shall be called. Proceedings of such
meetings shall be properly documented; and

4.3.3.2.14 Develop a handbook or manual of operations containing

all essential information about the Center including
policies, directives, operating guidelines, among others,
in consultation with the staff, volunteers and concerned
agencies.

4.4 Funding

4.4.1 All Local Government Units are enjoined to appropriate a substantial

portion of their respective annual budget as provided by Section 51, Art. 6
of RA No. 9165, to wit:

“Section 51. Local Government Units Assistance – Local

Government Units shall appropriate a substantial portion of their
respective annual budgets to assist in or enhance the enforcement
of this Act giving priority to preventive or educational programs and
rehabilitation or treatment of drug dependents.”

4.4.2 LGUs may also tap and/or request, in coordination with concerned national
offices, donations from PAGCOR, share in gaming and amusement centers
and private sectors contributions or other sources generated from fund-
raising activities.

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 4.4.3 The Center shall have a two-year Work and Financial Plan reflecting the
activities to be undertaken, budget and corresponding resources which
shall be drawn preferably but not limited to the following:

4.4.3.1 Twenty per cent (20%) development fund of the LGU

4.4.3.2 Annual budget of the Local Social Welfare and Development Office
4.4.3.3 Other sources such as share from gaming and amusement
centers, private sector contributions and fund-raising activities.

4.4.4 For the allocated budget, the following guidelines should be followed:

4.4.4.1 60% - 70% of the Center’s budget shall be allocated for direct
program implementation.
4.4.4.2 30% - 40% for administrative requirements as evidenced by a
financial statement duly audited by the Commission on Audit or
independent Certified Public Accountant.

4.4.5 There must be written policies and system set by the SDEC Team for
keeping track of financial transactions as well as management of supplies,
equipment and other material resources of the Center.

4.4.6 Reports on generated funds, receipt and utilization of donations either in

cash or in kind, are adequate and timely.

4.5 Personnel Complement

There shall be direct service personnel with the necessary qualifications and
competencies as specified in the organizational plan.

4.5.1 For LGU-run SDECs at the provincial, city and municipal levels, the
concerned local government unit shall provide or designate the required
personnel complement who shall carry out the Center’s drug education
program.

4.5.2 In like manner, the concerned NGO shall provide the necessary personnel
for privately-run SDEC.

4.5.3 If new positions shall be created for the LGU-run SDECs, such positions
must meet the qualification standards and corresponding salary grades
consistent with Civil Service rules and labor laws.

4.5.4 The personnel complement shall, as much as practicable, include the

following:

4.5.4.1 Center Head – who shall be responsible for administering the

SDEC’s daily operations and ensuring that programs and services
are implemented according to plans and standards. The PSWDO
shall be the Center Head of the SDEC at the provincial level; the
CSWDO or MSWDO at the city or municipal levels. If the CSWDO
or MSWDO is not chosen as Center Head, the Mayor shall

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 designate a qualified person who must be a graduate of a four year
behavioral science course, with at least two years supervisory
experience and forty (40) hours training on substance abuse.

4.5.4.2 One (1) Registered Social Worker – who shall be responsible for
managing the cases of out-of-school youth and street children and
implementation of programs and services on drug abuse
prevention. She/he must have at least two (2) years relevant
experience in direct social service and 80 hours training on
counseling.

4.5.4.3 One (1) Manpower Development Officer - who shall conduct skills
training on crafts, trades, vocational and livelihood projects for the
economic productivity of the out-of-school youth and street children.

4.5.4.4 Administrative/Support Staff – shall include but not limited to one

(1) clerk or computer operator and one (1) messenger/utility worker.

4.5.4.5 In addition to the required SDEC staff, volunteers may be mobilized

depending on the number of clients and barangays/ communities
covered. Volunteers may include professionals, paraprofessionals
and youth with exposure and/or equivalent training on volunteerism,
organizing and prevention of substance abuse.

4.5.4.6 All personnel and volunteers must not be using illegal drugs.

4.6 Human Resource Management

There must be a functional system for managing human resources of the Center to
ensure that the appropriate people are recruited, assigned and developed to provide the
necessary services to clientele. This includes:

4.6.1 Recruitment, selection, and staff deployment – there are written policies
and procedures on selection, recruitment and assignment of tasks and
responsibilities of the Center’s staff and community volunteers.
4.6.2 Performance Appraisal – assessment of the Center’s staff including
volunteers is done at least twice a year in accordance with Civil Service
Commission appraisal system.
4.6.3 Incentives, rewards and sanctions – there are written and operational
rewards and incentives schemes, grievance and legal processes, including
sanctions for erring staff and volunteers.
4.6.4 Volunteer development - there are written policies on volunteer
development and mobilization, awards and recognition including
sanctions/disciplinary measures for erring volunteers.
4.6.5 Duties and responsibilities of each personnel, including volunteers, are
specified and clearly defined in accordance with the positions and job
functions.
4.6.6 The Center must have a program for training and personnel development
that is reviewed regularly and revised appropriately. Personnel, including

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 volunteers are encouraged to avail of trainings relevant to their present job
to enable them to upgrade and acquire new skills and competencies.
4.6.7 Staff-Client Ratio – there must be an adequate number of workers
corresponding to the number of cases/communities covered by the Center
as follows:

4.6.7.1 One full-time Social Worker for every 50 – 80 cases at a time

4.6.7.2 One full-time Manpower Development Officer for every 60-80 cases
at a time, whether rural or urban
4.6.7.3 Volunteers for every three (3) barangays/ communities

4.7 Program Management

The SDEC shall undertake the following activities and processes:

4.7.1 Planning – there is an available work plan consistent with the Center’s
purposes and goals. Such plan is supported with baseline data and
formulated in consultation with the staff, clientele as well as volunteers.
4.7.2 Implementation – there is an operational manual for implementing
programs/ services indicating the procedures, policies and guidelines.
4.7.3 Monitoring – there is a system for collecting, recording and updating
information and other significant information on the status of programs,
projects and services implemented in the Center. Appropriate actions are
taken to remedy the gap or problem in program implementation.
4.7.4 Evaluation – there is regular (mid-year, end of the year) program evaluation
which shall include a review of accomplishments vis-à-vis workplan.
.

4.8 Records And Data Management

4.8.1 Records must be kept in a secure place and readily available to authorized
personnel. There must be an organized procedure and system for storage
and retrieval of records.
4.8.2 Documentation of the Center’s plans, projects, activities and
accomplishments shall be part of its records.
4.8.3 A particular practice, strategy or system that has been evaluated by the
Center as effective in bringing about desired changes shall be recorded by
the Center.

4.9 Case Management

4.9.1 Case management, in the context of the SDEC, is a basic helping process
applied to each case of out-of-school youth and street children towards the
resolution of their problem that may have led or could lead to involvement
in substance abuse.
4.9.2 As part of the case management process, the Social Worker shall
undertake the following activities:

4.9.2.1 Intake and assessment– policies and procedures in admitting

clients/selection of communities to be served by the Center are
clear and written. Intake assessment sheets are well accomplished

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 indicating basic information about the clients’/communities’ profile,
problem situation and the initial assessment of the social worker
indicating specific problem areas to be addressed.
4.9.2.2 Action planning – goal setting is done where targets for change and
directions are clearly discussed with the clients. There is an
individual/group/community helping plan consistent with the
assessment indicating basic information such as goal/objectives,
activities or various helping strategies/interventions, time frame and
responsible person/agency.
4.9.2.3 Implementation – activities/helping interventions are implemented
in accordance with the helping plan.
4.9.2.4 Monitoring and Evaluation – clients’ progress is followed-up as
indicated in the progress reports on the extent of services provided
to them and how these have helped them reach the treatment
goals. Results are utilized as basis for the review of the helping
plan and modifications, if indicated.
4.9.2.5 Termination – there is a written termination plan to sustain the gains
and continued growth of the clients/groups/communities whenever
services are terminated. There is a written policy on termination
procedures including transition activities, such as coordination with
other GOs, NGOs, civic and religious organizations for the provision
of other support services.

4.10 Programs And Services

The SDEC shall provide the following programs and services to the out-of-school youth
and street children through the use of social work methods with the end in view of
restoring or enhancing their social functioning:

4.10.1 Self-enrichment Service - provision of opportunities for self-

enhancement to enable him/her/them to fully participate and be fully
mainstreamed into society, e.g. personality development through values
education; sustained positive attitudes, knowledge/skills on family
enrichment, etc.
4.10.2 Interventions for the prevention of drug abuse and other health-
related issues - activities for the out-of-school youth, street children and
their families such as conduct of sessions/fora using various forms of
creative media intended to raise the awareness and understanding of the
nature and effects of drugs and likewise prevent drug abuse.
4.10.3 Capability-Building Service – involves the provision of life coping
skills enhancement, leadership skills, peer counseling to bring out positive
behavior and healthy lifestyle among the out-of-school youth and street
children. Families shall be trained on parenting and life skills towards a
drug free home.
4.10.4 Skills Training – involves activities that aim to develop positive work
habits, attitudes and skills in crafts and trades for their economic
productivity. This includes provision of capital assistance, job counseling
and referral for employment or job placement.
4.10.5 Literacy Programs – involves the provision of non-formal and
special education in coordination with the Department of Education and
other organizations.

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 4.10.6 Family Counseling – the provision of counseling services to the
out-of school youth, street children and their families to help understand
the factors that caused the problem, their roles and responsibilities
towards problem resolution.
4.10.7 Community Participation – this refers to the involvement of the
clients in programmed activities in the surrounding communities of the
Center to develop the youth’s sense of social responsibility and
community belongingness.
4.10.8 Recreational and Socio-Cultural Activities – include a wide range of
both indoor and outdoor activities and opportunities for play, amusement
and social/cultural development.
4.10.9 Spiritual Enhancement – activities designed for the clients’ spiritual
growth considering their own faith and convictions.
4.10.10 Referral Services – involve the provision of assistance to clients
of the Center by linking them to appropriate agencies and
resources in the community.

4.11 Physical Structures And Safety

4.11.1 Facilities

4.11.1.1 The Center must, as far as practicable, be accessible to

community facilities such as school, church, hospital/clinic or any
alternative services; far from conflict areas, cliffs, rivers, gas,
power stations and others that may pose hazard to users. If these
physical conditions are inevitable, safety and precautionary
measures must be installed to mitigate the probable effect of
disasters that may occur.

4.11.1.2 Basic utilities shall be available for communication; there shall be

adequate supply of light/electricity and potable water as certified
by proper authorities on an annual basis.

4.11.1.3 If the Center shall be established in a new facility, the facility shall
have the following rooms with corresponding measurements:

a. Office space for 4 staff - 5m x 6m

b. Conference room - 4m x 5m
c. Counseling/Interview room - 3m x 4m
d. Training/Vocational room - 5m x 8m
e. Tutoring room - 3m x 4m • Library - 4m x 5m
f. Separate sleeping quarters for male and female - 5m x 6m each
for male and female quarters with 3 double decker beds per
room
g. Dining room cum kitchen - 4m x 6m
h. Toilet, urinal and lavatory for male - 1.5m x 1m
i. Toilet with lavatory for female - 1.5m x 1m

4.11.1.4 If the SDEC shall be housed in an already existing facility or

building, the facility shall, as much as possible, conform to the
required specifications as indicated:

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 a. Each room shall have adequate ventilation and lighting and
equipped with appropriate furniture and basic utilities/amenities.
b. Accessibility features are installed where rooms and spaces are
barrier-free and properly labelled with appropriate signage for
access to clients, staff or visitors with disability.
c. Recreational supplies and materials appropriate for out-of-
school youth and Street children are available.

4.12 All DILG Regional Directors and Field Officers are hereby directed to coordinate with
their regional counterparts in the Department of Social Welfare and Development,
Dangerous Drugs Board, and National Youth Commission in the conduct of activities
towards the establishment and operations of the SDEC:

4.12.1 Assist the Local Government Units to ensure the establishment,

management, and operation of the Special Drug Education Center;
4.12.2 Provide coordinative and technical assistance on the operation and
management of the Center;
4.12.3 In coordination with SWDO, establish linkages with local, national and
international agencies for technical and financial support to SDEC; and
4.12.4 Monitor compliance based on the standards set and ensure the submission
of SDEC reports to the DDB. Subsequent guidelines will form part of
assessment and evaluation for the purpose of enhancing the program.

5. REFERENCES

5.1 Dangerous Drugs Board – Board Regulation No.1 series of 2003 dated May 30, 2003
5.2.DSWD - Administrative Order No. 83 series of 2003 dated October 28, 2003
5.3 DILG Memorandum Circular – 2006-150 dated November 7, 2006

6. ANNEXES

The following documents are herein attached for reference.

6.1 Semi-Annually Accomplishment Report – (annex 1)

6.2 Annual Accomplishment Report – (annex 2)
6.3 Monitoring template – (annex 3)

7. EFFECTIVITY

This Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately.

8. MONITORING AND REPORTING

Reports of compliance shall use Annex 3, and be submitted every 30th day of the ensuing
month for semi-annual reports and 30th day of the first month of the ensuing year for annual
reports. Said reports shall be submitted to the Bureau of Local Government Supervision
(BLGS) at 25th floor DILG-NAPOLCOM Center, EDSA corner Quezon Avenue or thru email
address [email protected], copy furnished [email protected].

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9. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE

If, for any reason, any part or provision of this policy is declared invalid or unconstitutional,
any part or provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

10. APPROVING AUTHORITY

EDUARDO M. AÑO
Secretary

11. FEEDBACK

Inquiries or concerns regarding this MC should be directed or addressed to the PADS DILG,
through any of the following: telephone nos. (02) 876-3454 local 3403, email at
[email protected] or through mail at 11th Floor, DILG-NAPOLCOM Center, EDSA corner
Quezon Avenue, Quezon City or to the Bureau of Local Government Supervision, through
telephone no. (02) 876-3454 local 4211, or through mail at 25th Floor, DILG-NAPOLCOM
Center, EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, Quezon City.

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 Annex 1

Republic of the Philippines

DILG-NAPOLCOM Center, EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
www.dilg.gov.ph
ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT - QUARTERLY
(Note: Use additional sheet if needed)
Date Client Name Age Gender Program/Activity details Status

(Note: Use additional sheet if needed)

Submitted By:
(SDEC Team Leader) ___________________________
(Signature) ___________________________
(Date) ___________________________

Noted By:
___________________________
Local Chief Executive

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Annex 2

Republic of the Philippines

DILG-NAPOLCOM Center, EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
www.dilg.gov.ph

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT-ANNUAL
PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES TARGET ACCOMPLISHMENT REMARKS

(Note: Use additional sheet if needed)

Submitted By:
(SDEC Team Leader) ___________________________
(Signature) ___________________________
(Date) ___________________________

Noted By:
___________________________
Local Chief Executive

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