ILOILO City – A total of 79 local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas were recognized during the 2022 Regional Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Awards and Regional Launching of the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program on Jan. 31.
The recognition is conferred on LGUs that have proven to be highly functional in the anti-illegal drug campaign last year.
From Aklan province 10 LGUs were awarded; 10 from Antique; 11 from Capiz; four from Guimaras, including its provincial government; 23 from Iloilo, including its provincial government; and 21 from Negros Occidental, including its provincial government.
Moreover, four LGUs in the region earned the “Balangay Seal of Excellence” after being declared drug-cleared municipalities. These were Libacao from Aklan; Dao and Jamindan from the province of Capiz; and Bingawan from Iloilo.
The Balangay Seal of Excellence is the highest recognition conferred by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to the implementers of drug-clearing programs in their respective barangays.
The ADAC Performance Award is given based on the results of the assessment of the functionality and effectiveness of local ADACs on existing issuances and policies, their initiated or endorsed innovations, and best practices at all levels.
Further, the ADAC is eligible for awards if it garners an overall performance score in the functionality audit of at least 85 points.
On the other hand, the BIDA Program was also launched in the region, which is an advocacy program aiming to raise awareness and encourage participation from all sectors of the community in drug demand reduction. (PIA)/PN
