• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has recognized 246 local government units in the country, including Pulupandan in Negros Occidental, for their remarkable accomplishments and success in the battle against illegal drugs in their respective areas.
The award was received by Pulupandan during the 2023 National ADAC Performance recognition rites held on November 22 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas Avenue in Quezon City.
DILG secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. led the distribution of awards to 246 outstanding ADACs in the country.
The Performance Award is given by DILG to ADACs with an overall performance score in the functionality audit of 100 points (High Functional), they shall not have any seriously affected barangays for the audit year 2022, and shall possess the institutional integrity, such as not including in the drug watch list.
Pulupandan also received a plaque and P100,000 in incentives from DILG.
In a statement, Abalos described the anti-drug abuse councils (ADACs) at the provincial, city, and municipal levels as the “heroes” of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
He underscored that the war against illegal drugs is at the local government level, and the ADACs are at the forefront of this war.
War on drugs will always be fought on the grassroots, Abalos stressed.
He explained that ADACs play a key role in the whole-of-nation and holistic approach against illegal drugs under the Department’s Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA program.
The ADAC is a multi-sectoral council responsible for the formulation of plans, and the implementation of local anti-drug abuse programs, projects and activities in a particular locality.*
