Fernandez outlines anti-drug strategies
DETERMINED to eradicate illegal drugs in Dagupan, Mayor Belen Fernandez outlined a strategy to achieve her vision of making the city drug-free, a turnaround from its current status as a drug hub in northern Luzon.
Fernandez, in a speech during the celebration last Wednesday of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the Dagupan City Astrodome, said she will make the drug problem a priority concern on her first day in office, which officially starts on July 1.
“We will stop the menace once and for all,” said Fernandez noting reports from national government agencies that Dagupan is now a major drop off point of illegal drugs before their distribution to various parts of Region 1 and the Cordilleras.
She said she will immediately reorganize the City Development Council before proceeding to organize the Dagupan City Drug Abuse Council (DADAC).
Then she will organize the Barangay Drug-Abuse Council (BADAC) in each of the 31 villages and involve personalities who, she said, had proven their dedication in the campaign against illegal drugs.
INTELLIGENCE NETWORK
At the same time, she will create a strong intelligence network and provide the necessary funds to support lawmen’s drug buy-bust operations and a rewards program for informers.
“We will further strengthen our links with various international organizations that dedicate themselves to fighting illegal drugs as well as set up funds for the rehabilitation of voluntarily surrendered drug addicts,” Fernandez said.
A drug treatment and rehabilitation center under the Department of Health (DOH) will soon be opened in Barangay Bonuan Binloc.
The construction of the center was initiated by former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. in 2007 and continued by his wife, Fourth District Rep. Gina de Venecia, in coordination with the DOH and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), which contributed P10 million for the completion of the center’s dormitories.
Secretary Antonio Villar Jr., chairman of DDB, has indicated he is ready to release more funds to ensure the completion of the dormitory facilities of the center, which is intended to serve not just Pangasinan but the entire Region 1 as well as the neighboring Region 2, Cordillera and Region 3.
“With your cooperation, I know we can do it ,” Fernandez said, adding the city government, the PDEA, police and DDB can not do the job alone without the citizens help.
At the same time, Fernandez said she will ask the DDB as well as the Department of Education to sustain the organization of “Barkada Kontra Droga” in every barangay to make the campaign against illegal drugs more successful.
Wednesday’s celebration was graced by Undersecretary Rommel Garcia, vice chairman of the DDB, City Division Superintendent Gloria Torres and Superintendent Christopher Abrahano, chief of the city police.
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