• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has lauded the provincial governments of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor as well the 43 local government units (LGUs) that achieved a “highly functional” rating in the Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) performance audit for year 2025.
“This milestone reflects the collective dedication of our LGUs, ADAC members, local partners, and communities in promoting safe, resilient, and drug-free communities,” the DILG-Negros Island Region said in a statement over the weekend.
In Negros Occidental, the LGUs with highly functional rating are the cities of Talisay, Cadiz, Bago, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, La Carlota, Sagay, San Carlos, Victorias, Sipalay, and Silay as well as the municipalities of Calatrava, Hinigaran, Hinobaan, Isabela, La Castellana, Manapla, Moises Padilla, Murcia, Pulupandan, Pontevedra, San Enrique, Don Salvador Benedicto, and Valladolid, and highly urbanized Bacolod City.
Those in Negros Oriental are the cities of Bais and Bayawan along with the municipalities of Amlan, Ayungon, Bacong, Dauin, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Mabinay, Manjuyod, Pamplona, San Jose, and Valencia while those in Siquijor are the municipalities of Enrique Villanueva, Larena, Maria, San Juan, and Siquijor.
The ADAC Performance Audit serves as a comprehensive framework in assessing the effectiveness of local ADACs in managing and sustaining anti-drug initiatives, including implementing preventive education, sustained drug-clearing operations, strengthened community-based rehabilitation programs, and efforts toward the complete eradication of illegal drug activities.
Through this rigorous evaluation, the DILG emphasizes the pivotal role of LGUs, whose unwavering commitment to the fight against illegal drugs serves as a strong foundation for building safer, drug-free communities, and improving the quality of life across the country. | GB
