Driven to impart the real situation and updates on the campaign against illegal drugs, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 5 expressed full support to the 1st Regional Drug Summit 2024 organized by the Philippine National Police Regional Office 5 on May 14, 2024 at Casablanca Convention Center, Legazpi City, Albay.

RD Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober Jr., CESO V together with Regional Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Focal Person – LGOO V Jute M. Balbedina discussed the Roles and Functionality of B/C/M/PADACs and Other Matters, Issues, and Recommendations, along with other topics discussed by concerned agencies such as Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Justice (DOJ), and National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).

The event was participated by various national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) Members, state universities and colleges, members of press corps, and other key stakeholders. This undertaking was also an opportunity to showcase DILG 5 initiatives through the Department’s “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” (BIDA) Program which endeavors to expand community awareness at the local level, harness citizen participation, and ensure strong support of all stakeholders for a comprehensive and intensified advocacy campaign against illegal drugs. Various IEC materials were distributed to the participants through the DILG 5 BIDA Advocacy Booth.

In his message, RD Escober called upon the active involvement of stakeholders from the community to broaden the BIDA message, emphasizing the need for the whole-of-society approach to fight illegal drugs in the country.

Also present during this summit were PD Arnel Renato L. Madrideo of DILG Sorsogon, OIC-Program Manager Rowena Medina representing PD Ben Paul Naz of DILG Masbate, LGMED Chief Darlyn D. Ayende, and other DILG Region 5 support staff.