TACLOBAN CITY (CIO) — Eleven drug unaffected Barangays in Tacloban and barangay officials who have helped sustain the anti-drug campaign in their respective communities were recognized during the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week celebration held in Tacloban on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

Recognized during the event held at the Tacloban City Convention Center(Astrodome) for having sustained its drug unaffected status were barangays 13, 15, 16, 103-A, 51-A, 48-B, 35, 33, 32, 28 and 30. While Brgy Chairmen Edwin Bedua of Brgy 78 Marasbaras and Kenneth Mate of Brgy. 59-A Sampaguita was given Plaques of Recognition for their outstanding implementation of the drug control program of the City in their respective barangays.

The event which had the theme “Justice for Health, Health for Justice” was organized by the City Anti Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) headed by Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez.

One of the highlights of the program was a talk on the Sustainability Mechanism for Drug-Cleared Barangays presented by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency RO VIII Deputy Regional Director Eduardo A. Makabenta IV which defined roles and responsibilities set for each member of the Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug-Clearing Program, as well as the parameters on the declaration of a “Drug-Cleared Barangay”, pursuant to the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), Regulation No.3, Series of 2017.

On the other hand, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency discussed the relevant features of Executive Order No. 70 that mandates the establishment of task forces in regional and provincial levels in the country to end local communist conflicts and pave the way for lasting peace and development.

Meantime, the details of the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Campaign Double Barrel Revised 2019 were presented by Tacloban City Police Office’s PMAJ Elmer Jabinar.

Councilor Dalisay Erpe, Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils and reformed Drug Surrenderers from the 138 Barangays of the City also attended the event

Meanwhile, Doctor Gloria Fabrigas, Officer-In-Charge of the City Health Office, which is one of the focal agencies of the anti-drug campaign in Tacloban said that individuals plagued with drug problems should have the proper intervention.

“We are promoting that every drug issue should have the proper intervention and we are happy with the support of the Mayor, we are currently implementing “Balay Silangan,” a reformatory facility for drug surrenderers, said Fabrigas

“Sana ay sama sama tayo sa pag sugpo sa druga dahil (We hope that everyone will support the anti-drug initiative) [as] it is not only affecting the family but also the community, “she added

Tacloban City has 4.479 Drug Surrenderers. – H.J. Roca/CIO

Photos: K. E. Napala/CIO