ANTIQUE – The municipalities of Bugasong and Sibalom in Antique province were recognized for having the best-performing and most effective Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADAC) in the 2023 National ADAC Performance Awards.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. led the awarding ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 22, in Quezon City, themed “Bayang May Pinag-isa ng Diwa Laban sa Ilegal na Droga” (One Nation with the Spirit of Unity Against Illegal Drugs).
“This year’s theme sends a clear message of the consolidated effort of the LGUs, private sector partners, civil society organizations, and national government agencies (NGAs), the nation shall win the fight against illegal drugs. It is also aligned with the message of “unity” by none other than President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” the DILG Secretary said.
ADACs are multi-sectoral councils responsible for formulating plans and implementing local anti-drug abuse programs, projects and activities in a particular locality.
“This war should always be fought at the grassroots. And who would be the first to fight? It’s you [ADACs]. You are the heroes of our fight against illegal drugs,” Abalos said.
Abalos said ADACs play a vital role in the whole-of-nation and holistic approach against illegal drugs under the department’s Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan program, which is now in its first year.
“This is a war we are fighting for our children, future and country. We will continue, and we still have so many things to do. Long live the champions of ADACs,” he added.
The ADAC Performance Awards recognizes the best-performing local ADACs that comply with the prescribed functionality indicators and implement anti-illegal drug interventions and initiatives to reduce drug abuse in their areas of jurisdiction. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency)/PN
