MBTF is DDB’s “top drug-buster”
BALON DAGUPAN NEWS
MAYOR Belen Fernandez’s efforts and commitment to protect communities from the clutches of illegal drug syndicates were acknowledged anew by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) by naming her to the agency’s Hall of Fame last week.
Secretary Antonio Villar Jr., DDB head, presented the award to Fernandez during the opening program of the national observance of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week (DAPCW) in Dagupan City.
Villar said he considers Mayor Fernandez as a ” top drug buster.”
Fernandez was first cited by DDB for her dedication during the observance of DAPCW in 2012 when she was still the vice mayor of Dagupan, then again in last year’s DAPCW when she was already mayor of Dagupan City.
Mayor Fernandez receives her third Plaque of Recognition since 2012 from Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman, Sec. Antonio Villar Jr, (CIO photo by Mitz Cresencio)
This year, DDB acknowledged her “untiring dedication as anti-drug advocate of the government and her contribution and unwavering support in the field of drug demand and supply reduction geared towards the attainment of a drug-free Philippines of which her notable achievements in preventive education and advocacies is worthy of emulation by other agencies.”
Villar said the large number of people that participated during in the kick-off program of DAPCW in Dagupan, estimated at some 15,000, dwarfed the crowds in previous celebrations, was another proof of the mayor’s commitment and support for the campaign against illegal drugs.
It was three times bigger than any of the previous celebrations yearly held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, said Villar.
In 2012, Villar recalled how Fernandez organized the “Barkada Kontra Droga”, the first in Pangasinan and in Region I that spearheaded a door-to-door campaign against illegal drugs in the city.
She doubled her efforts in 2013 with the support of P/Superintendent Christopher Abrahano, chief of police, her partner in the campaign to rid Dagupan of illegal drugs.
Villar said it was Fernandez who asked for DDB’s help to finish the construction and establishment of the Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center of the Department of Health (DOH)’ in Barangay Bonuan Binloc.
In response, DDB released P15 million to the mayor for the center’s completion, who in turn endorsed the same to Regional I Medical Center that manages the Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center.
Today, the facility is now operational, thanks to the initiatives of Mayor Fernandez, said Villar.
The DDB again agreed to support the mayor’s request to help the city establish its drug-testing laboratory. CIO
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