BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Department of the Local and Interior Government and the Philippine National Police underscored the important role of the youth in ending the proliferation of drugs and in sustaining peace in the province.
In a training participated in by 87 members of Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) from the different municipalities, DILG Provincial Director Evelyn B. Trinidad discussed the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program, a holistic campaign of the government to reduce drug demand.
She said the fight against illegal drugs is not just the responsibility of the government but the community as well.
“The fight against illegal drugs is not the sole responsibility of the PNP, but an obligation of everyone. It is the obligation of every single member of the community – our families, parents, our neighbors, our teachers, our local government units, and the youth,” she said.
“To the youth of today, refrain from using illegal drugs. As you have been taught, there is nothing good about it. As members of the KKDAT, we expect you to be the models of clean living,” Trinidad said.
Mountain Province Provincial Police Office Director, Col. Sibly P. Dawiguey, Jr. acknowledged the volunteerism and commitment of the members of the KKDAT, especially in preventing other youth from being recruited by the rebel groups and from being addicted to illegal drugs.
Personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine Army, and MPPPO also conducted lectures to enhance drug awareness and prevention, anti-terrorism, mental health awareness, and spiritual health.
Dawiguey also administered the oath of office of the new set of officers of KKDAT-Mountain Province and representatives from each municipality of the province. – Valerie Taguba
