Fight vs. illegal drugs intensified
LINGAYEN– The fight against illegal drugs in the province has been intensified with the activation and reactivation of anti-drug abuse councils in towns and barangays.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) passed provincial resolution last week “urging all local government units through their Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB) city and municipal federation president to cause the organization/reactivation of every City/Municipality /Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC/MADAC/BADAC) within their jurisdiction and the formulation of their respective city/municipality/barangay anti-drug abuse plans.”
Authored by LNB provincial president, SP member Amado Espino III, the resolution urges every LGU to exercise stronger political will and exert more efforts to combat/fight lawlessness related to illegal drug abuses that continuously threaten people’s lives and safety.
“There is a need to prioritize the organization or reactivation of anti-drug abuse councils …. to strengthen the drive of every locality to fight this illegal drug abuse which is a menace to the society,” the resolution said.
Espino, however, pointed out that though the problem on illegal drugs in the province is not highly alarming, the threat of illegal drugs grows.
The councils, he said, are mandated to monitor the residents’ activities in their respective communities and to protect the youth away from illegal drugs. Of the 1,333 barangays in Pangasinan (except Dagupan City), 1,111 have already organized their local ADACs.
To support the councils, Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr. suggested an allocation be proposed for their discussion in the next budget hearing.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr., chairman of the provincial ADAC affirmed that the council is quietly active in addressing the anti-drug efforts.
The resolution cited the Department of the Interior and Local Government memorandum circular no. 2003-131, dated June 23, 2003 directing LGUs immediately reactivate and strengthen, or cause the creation, if not yet created, the Anti-Drug Abuse Council.
“Our target is to reduce if not completely eradicate the problem,” said Espino.- (JRM /PIA)
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