• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Victorias City in Negros Occidental was recognized as one of the most effective Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) in the country during the 2024 ADAC Performance Audit Awards held on December 11 at the Tent City, Manila Hotel.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, and Board Member Richard Julius Sablan, received the award, which includes a certificate, ADAC marker, and a cash incentive of P150,000.
The award was presented by officials from the Dangerous Drugs Board, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Association of Anti-Drug Abuse Coalitions of the Philippines, Inc., and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
The ADAC Award acknowledges the local government’s outstanding efforts in implementing comprehensive strategies to combat the proliferation of illegal drugs, contributing to a drug-free Philippines.
The city of Victorias has also been declared Fully Compliant with the Gawad KALASAG Seal and received the Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance for CY 2024 under the Local DRRM Councils and Offices (LDRRMCOs) Category by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The City achieved a Seal of Excellence with a rating of 2.41, reflecting adherence to the standards for establishing and maintaining functional LDRRMCOs as mandated by the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010.
This recognition is a testament to the outstanding efforts of the Victorias City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO), headed by Rodolfo Retirado, and the city officials led by Mayor Benitez, who continue to champion disaster preparedness and resilience.
The award was conferred during the Gawad KALASAG awarding ceremony also on December 11 in Iloilo City.*
