The members of the Legazpi City Drug Abuse Council, Barangay Drug Abuse Council and the Provincial Drug Abuse Council of Albay were sworn into office on March 7, 2011 by Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr, director general of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) during the General Assembly and Induction Ceremony of PDAC, CADAC and BADAC held at the Ibalong Conference Hall, Legazpi City.
In his message during the induction ceremony, Usec. Gutierrez said solving the drug menace is a not only the work of the PDEA but of all sectors of the society. He encouraged the people to come together to fight the drug problems that ruin established institutions most especially the family. Usec. Gutierrez further said that in the desire of the community to solve drug problems, livelihood and/or sports and recreational activities must be made available where people especially the youth groups could be made to engage in.
Director Blandino M. Maceda representing Sec. Jesse M. Robredo who was supposed to be the guest of honor for the activity, emphasized the important role of Drug Abuse Councils in local government units, especially at the barangay level. Dir. Maceda said that there is a need to strengthen and revitalize Drug Abuse Councils especially at the barangay level in order to effectively address drug problems as a way of maintaining peace and order in the community. The activities of the barangay geared towards solving the problems on illegal drugs must likewise be included in the respective Barangay Development Plan. It must be discussed during the Barangay Assembly this coming 3rd week of March so the inhabitants in the barangay would know and support such activities.
Dir. Maceda assured the members of the Drug Abuse Councils that the DILG family in partnership with the PDEA is always ready to provide the necessary assistance to barangays in support of their campaigns against illegal drugs.
Usec. Gutierrez and Dir. Maceda both congratulated Mayor Geraldine Rosal and the City of Legazpi for having organized said activity which is a manifestation of the City’s commitment to attain a drug-free Legazpi and a drug-free Philippines. – (AO IV Ma. Grace Joy U. Tango)