[eluser]evolutionxbox[/eluser]
I don't think there is a 'proper' way to populate the drop down.
Use a model to get the info from the database, use your controller to pass the info to the view and use the view to output the info.
Use a foreach loop to help output the drop down, also formating your drop down like so:
Code:
<select>
<optgroup label="Swedish Cars">
<option value="volvo">Volvo</option>
<option value="saab">Saab</option>
</optgroup>
<optgroup label="German Cars">
<option value="mercedes">Mercedes</option>
<option value="audi">Audi</option>
</optgroup>
</select>
will make life a bit easier for you and your users (in my opinion).