Eleven local go-vernment units in the Cordillera were recognized during the 2022 National ADAC (Anti-Drug Abuse Council) Performance Awards on Dec. 13.
These are La Paz in Abra; Kibungan in Benguet; Hingyon, Tinoc, and Asipulo in Ifugao; Pasil and Tanudan in Kalinga; and Barlig, Bauko, Bontoc, and Sadanga in Mountain Province.
They are among the 172 LGUs recognized for their exemplary performance in complementing the national government’s anti-illegal drug campaign and for garnering perfect score in both the 2021 ADAC functionality audit and awarding assessment.
The awardees garnered 100 percent overall performance score in the 2021 Functionality Audit which include the organization of local ADAC, conduct of ADAC meetings, allocation of funds for anti-illegal drugs activities, formulation and implementation of ADAC plans and programs, and supervision and support to component ADACs and innovations.
They also met the following awarding criteria: 30 points for BADAC functionality, 40 points for drug-clearing, and 30 points for drug reduction of drug-affectation.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director-General Moro Virgilio Lazo commended the LGUs and all stakeholders for their unwavering support to the campaign against illegal drugs.
“Rest assured that PDEA will maximize all its efforts in solving the problem on illegal drugs. With you by our side, no obstacle will hinder us to reach our goal of a drug-free Philippines,” Lazo said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government Sec. Benhur Abalos, Jr. emphasized the importance of war on drugs.
With the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program, he stressed the importance of community involvement in preventing the proliferation of illegal drugs.
He added that with the presence of the ADAC in the grassroot level, the root cause of problems on illegal drugs may be resolved.
“Kakayanin natin ito at ang sikreto rito will be the Anti-Drug Abuse Council of each and every local government unit. You will provide direction to where we are going into your own locality. Kayo po ang magbibigay ng direksyon sa amin, sino ang mga personality and asahan ninyo, in accordance with the law, kami na ho ang bahala rito,” Abalos said.
He also assured the cleansing of the PNP to ensure none of its personnel is involved in illegal drug activities.
He also warned police chiefs who are not performing well in the war against drugs will be sacked. – Debbie E. Gasingan
July 27, 2024
