Lacson inks MOA with PDEA in campaign vs. illegal drugs

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  • GILBERT BAYORAN

A memorandum of agreement was signed Thursday, Sept. 14, between the provincial government of Negros Occidental and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for a more effective campaign against illegal drugs.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who represents the provincial government, signed the MOA with PDEA, represented by assistant regional director Marjorie Ballesteros, at the launching of ALAB (Adbokasiya Laban sa Iligal nga Droga) program held during the Training of Trainers at the Mambukal Convention Hall in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia.

Don Salvador Benedicto Mayor Marxlen dela Cruz, PDEA assistant regional director Marjorie Ballesteros, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, and DILG provincial director Theodora Sumagaysay (left to right) at the signing of the memorandum of agreement to strengthen the cooperation in the fight against illegal drugs. | Capitol PIO photo

The MOA aims to intensify the campaign and reduce drug affectation in the country through a culture of cooperation, respect for human dignity, holistic strategies, and a whole-of-nation approach to address the drug problem in communities.

It also states that the province, through its Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), shall conduct the Training of Trainers (TOT) by providing logistical and financial support in the implementation of the program.

PDEA shall take the lead in the conduct of the TOT by providing resource persons and materials for training.

The three-day training in Mambukal aims to equip and educate the members of the PADAC, PNP, DILG, city and municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council focal persons, health and information officers on the Barangay Drug Clearing Program, Advocacy Campaign, and Drug-Free Workplace Program of PDEA.

Present during the MOA signing were Don Salvador Benedicto Mayor Marxlen Dela Cruz, DILG provincial director Theodora Sumagaysay, PDEA assistant provincial officer Jeanette Reyes, NOCPPO PCADU Unit chief, Col. Norberto Barniso, NOPPCEN chairperson Nilda Diwatin, and Provincial Administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz.

In his speech, Lacson urged the LGUs to take a stand against illegal drug use and promote healthy living. He also stressed the importance of education and activities like this as key components to the drug prevention campaign.

“By working together to address the root causes of illegal drug use, we can mitigate the harm associated with this serious problem and save more lives,” Lacson stressed./GB