• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday declared Silay City in Negros Occidental as the first drug-cleared city in the Negros Island Region.
During the proclamation ceremony, representatives from PDEA, DILG, PNP (Philippine National Police), and the Department of Health (DOH) affirmed that the city had successfully complied with all required parameters for the drug-cleared status.
These include strengthened community-based rehabilitation programs, intensified law enforcement operations, sustained barangay-level anti-drug initiatives, effective monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and active participation of local stakeholders and community leaders.
The joint agencies declared that all 16 barangays in the city have complied with all the evidence that no drug-related activities are being conducted in their respective communities.
In a statement, Mayor Joedith Gallego expressed his gratitude to the concerned agencies and individuals for achieving such a historic milestone.
“I expressed gratitude to all agencies, barangay officials, law enforcers, and community volunteers who have worked tirelessly to achieve this recognition. He emphasized that this milestone is not the end but a renewed call to maintain vigilance and continue collaborative efforts toward sustaining a drug-free environment for all Silaynons,” it stated.
Gallego also lauded the dedication of PLt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, Chief of Police of Silay PNP, in strengthening the city’s anti-drug initiatives, which led to its declaration as a drug-cleared city.
Silay City’s recognition as the First Drug-Cleared City in the Negros Island Region stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to good governance, public safety, and community wellness, the mayor added in a post.*
