Attended by the members of the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Council (MSAC) who were warmly welcomed by DILG Tacloban City Director Engr. Visitacion V. Giva, the activity hopes to sustain BIDA’s implementation by empowering the barangays to conduct advocacy campaigns and continue to raise public awareness of the ill effects of illegal drugs.

To showcase the local government’s anti-illegal drugs activities, Assistant City Health Officer Dr. Gloria E. Fabrigas discussed how the city’s New Beginning Program: Helping Build Community of Changed Lives has been helping Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUD) and Recovering Persons Who Used Drugs (RPWUD) become the better version of themselves as they reintegrate in the community.

Meanwhile, Cheerily C. Mendiola of the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA) shared the anti-illegal drugs campaign initiative and activities of the agency, highlighting the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) and the Balay Silangan which is about to be fully operational in 2024.

Probation and Parole Office Chief Nelida M. Palconite, on the other hand, came with two RPWUs to share their life experiences on the severe effects of prohibited drugs and their stories of coping with addiction.

The event was held successfully at the Level 2 Activity Area of Robinsons North Tacloban with

DILG Tacloban Program Manager Dr. Maridel Burgos overseeing the entire activity and the forum moderator Melford G. Maderazo.

Moreover, DILG is looking forward to their partner agencies including communities continuing efforts and cooperation in contributing inclusive approaches and actions to ensure a progressive and safe city.

#CIOUpdates#BIDA#TaclobanCity

photos by cbm via rpa. cablao/CIO