Efforts to combat illegal drugs weak

CEBU, Philippines - Drug demand reduction efforts in the province are wanting, according to the evaluation of the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CPADAC) on 47 local government units.

Despite this, the body will be conferring awards to the top performing town, city and barangay for their anti-drugs efforts as part of the CPADAC’s “Just Say No” program.

Under the program, the LGUs were evaluated based on the organization of the local anti-drug body, formulation of legislations relating to drugs, family and community involvement, and efforts taken to achieve a drug-free community such as law enforcement.

“But majority of the LGUs failed to address the demand reduction side. It was only taken for granted,” said Board Member Ivy Durano-Meca, CPADAC co-chairperson.

Demand reduction involves a community awareness campaign.

In an effort to address the concern, Meca said they will be conducting seminar-workshops next week to strengthen the link between parents and teachers.

CPADAC will also be launching the school-based education for drug abuse prevention which incorporates drug education programs in the curriculum, and conducting an anti-drug training for out-of-school youth called “Gang Resistance Education Training”.

These activities are part of the celebration of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week, which runs from November 15 to 21.

The weeklong celebration will kick off with a “Color Fun Run and Walk” at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday. It will start from the Capitol compound to JY Square in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, and back. Registration is free.

The celebration will culminate with the awarding for the “Just Say No” program on November 20.

A total of 47 LGUs participated in the program. The top performing city drug abuse council, municipal drug abuse council, barangay drug abuse council, municipal police station and city police station will be recognized in the program.

CPADAC executive director Joey Herra said the towns of Bantayan and Pilar were not included because they submitted documents late while Toledo City was not among the participants because it already has an existing program.

“Just Say No Program” is patterned after the “Our Sustainable Cebu Program” which recognizes well-performing local government units in the crusade against illegal drugs by giving cash rewards and incentives.

The program also requires towns to come up with their own action plans to address drug problems. — Michael Vencynth H. Braga/BRP (FREEMAN)