• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed yesterday between the provincial government of Negros Occidental and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, for a more effective campaign against illegal drugs.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, representing the provincial government, yesterday signed the MOA with PDEA, represented by Asst. Regional Director Marjorie Ballesteros, during the launching of ALAB (Adbokasiya Laban sa Iligal nga Droga) Program held during the Training of Trainers at the Mambukal Convention Hall in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia.
The MOA aims to intensify the campaign and reduce drug affectation in the country through a culture of cooperation, respect for human dignity, holistic strategies, and a whole-of-nation approach to addressing the drug problem in the communities.
It also states that the province, through its Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council, shall conduct the Training of Trainers (TOT) by providing logistical and financial support for the implementation of the said program. Meanwhile, PDEA shall take the lead in the conduct of the TOT by providing the resource persons and materials.
In a statement issued by the provincial government Public Information Office, the three-day training aims to equip and educate the members of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), PNP, DILG, City and Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council focal persons, health and information officers on the Barangay Drug Clearing Program, Advocacy Campaign, and Drug-Free Workplace Program of PDEA.
Present during the MOA signing are Don Salvador Benedicto Mayor Marxlen Dela Cruz, DILG Provincial Director Theodora Sumagaysay, PDEA Asst. Provincial Officer Jeanette Reyes, NOCPPO PCADU Unit Chief Col Norberto Barniso, NOPPCEN Chairperson Nilda Diwatin, and Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz.
In his speech. Lacson urged the LGUs and the members to take a stand against illegal drug use and promote healthy living. At the same time, he also stressed the importance of education and activities like this as key components to drug prevention campaign.
“By working together to address the root causes of illegal drug use, we can mitigate the harm associated with this serious problem, and save more lives,” Lacson stressed.*
