DILG 5, through the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division’s (LGMED) Peace and Order, Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) and other Related Concerns Section (POARCS), conducts the 2022 Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Audit for the six (6) Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (PADACs) in the Bicol Region and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council of Naga City on June 6-7, 2023 at the DILG LGRRC Library.

The Regional Audit Team (ART) headed by the DILG with audit members from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Civil Society Organizations (CSO) representatives from the Philippine Red Cross and Social Action Center Diocese of Legazpi leads the conduct of the audit.

DILG Regional Director, Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober Jr., CESO V, in his opening message, emphasized the importance of the whole-of-nation approach in ending the proliferation of illegal drugs. He also highlighted the ADAC Performance Audit’s significance in determining the gaps and needed interventions to strengthen the local ADACs for a peaceful and safe community.

The ADAC Performance Audit is conducted annually to ensure the continuous improvement of the performance of ADACs in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of anti-illegal drug programs. It is also conducted to ascertain the functionality and effectiveness of local ADACs and to determine ADAC-initiated or endorsed innovations and best practices at all levels. After the audit, qualified ADACs will be subjected to national calibration to identify the best performing and effective ADACs for recognition and incentives.

Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022, is the primary legislation governing the country’s efforts to combat drug abuse and illegal drug trade.