10 barangays, 2 schools hailed as drug-free

CEBU, Philippines – At least 10 barangays and two public schools in Cebu City have been recognized by the City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention for promoting a drug-free community.

The awardees are Barangays Taptap, Pulangbato, Budlaan, Lusaran, Kamagayan, Tabunan, San Jose, Pari-an, Banilad and Pamutan. The drug-free schools are Talamban National High School (Day and Night) and Bulacao Community School.

“They may serve as example for other barangays and schools for not patronizing the use of this illegal drugs and help in making our community drug free… to continue doing the prevention and control on illegal drug abuse in their area,” said COSAP chief Dr. Alice Utlang.

The awardees were given certificate and gift for having passed the surprise drug tests administered by COSAP. During the drug test none of the personnel from these barangays and school were tested positive.

Budlaan and Labangon were also recognized for having the best Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

“The Best BADAC doesn’t mean that there is absence on illegal drugs in their area but it means that the barangay’s anti-drug abuse council is doing something and that they are functioning efficiently to lower or eradicate drug problem in their barangay,” said Utlang.

She said the barangays were evaluated and reviewed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government based on the accomplishment reports submitted before the agency.

Budlaan and Labangon each received P50,000 cash prize and a certificate. Utlang wished for the barangays to utilize the monetary reward to improve its programs and activities against illegal drugs.

The winning barangays are now considered as pilot areas in counseling parents whose children are affected by drug addiction.

Meanwhile, the University of the Visayas has launched a week-long awareness campaign on various social issues such as climate change,

HIV/AIDS, and drug abuse.

The UV Health and Environmental Awareness Week is aimed to bolster students’ awareness on the importance of taking care of one’s health and environment.

Among the activities lined-up for the week-long celebration includes seminars on drug awareness, HIV, dengue, and climate change.

Glenda Pardillo, president of the UV Supreme Student Council, sees the activities to be very relevant because “of the cases of dengue and HIV/AIDS,” and “the decreasing lifespan of Filipinos.”

“They have to do something, especially on drugs nga tungod ana nidaghan ang crimes dinhi, ang health labi na nga niubos ato lifespan,” said Pardillo.

Central Visayas is now ranked second with the most number of HIV/AIDS cases in the country. —/FPL (FREEMAN)