COSAP to conduct info drive in schools against illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government, through the City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention, will be engaging high school students around the city in its massive information drive against the use of illegal drugs.

The education campaign is in line with the yearly celebration of the Drug Awareness Month, which for this year carries the theme, “Let’s Develop Our Lives, Our Communities, Our Identities Without Drugs.”

COSAP instructors will be dropping by at several public high schools in the city to educate teachers and students on the ill effects of dangerous drugs.

COSAP chief Dr. Alice Utlang said in a phone interview that the campaign aims to remind the young ones to think twice in using illegal drugs.

“Always make the right choice and we hope your choice is never to use (illegal) drugs,” Utlang said.

“Every person including the youth should not patronize the use of illegal drugs. If no one will use illegal drugs then it might put a stop on drug peddling,” she said further.

COSAP will be going to the following schools: Mabolo High School on November 11; Basak National High School on November 12; Talamban National High School on November 16; and Tejero National High School on November 17.

Aside from the students, Utlang said they likewise connected with the barangays through holding fun runs, motorcade, photo exhibit, and sports tournament, among other activities for its month-long celebration.

Utlang is optimistic that with everyone participating, Cebu City will someday become drug-free.

“Even the non-users have the responsibility to be involved. Every person, it may be an official or an ordinary person, should make a move to eradicate the illegal drug trade. Let us start with not using it and make our community drug-free,” she said.

The city’s celebration of the Drug Awareness Month will kick off on Monday, November 9, at the Plaza Sugbo grounds with a brief program at 8 a.m.

The activity’s highlight will be the drama presentation of the effects of dangerous drugs to be portrayed by a theatrical group from Barangay Quiot.

Utlang said the nationwide event is celebrated only every second week of November but Cebu City prepared month-long activities.

To make it possible, COSAP tapped different agencies and offices such as the Philippine National Police, the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, and different rehabilitation centers, among others. — May B. Miasco/NSA (FREEMAN)