Caloocan forms anti-drug abuse council

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico "Recom" Echiverri yesterday announced the creation of an anti-drug abuse council to avert the use of illegal drugs in the city.

Echiverri, in Executive Order No. 05-07, said section 16 of the Local Government Code of 1991 provides that local government units shall pursue undertakings to improve public morals and maintain peace and order.

He said there is a need to create a council that will promulgate and recommend measures, programs and activities that would make Caloocan a drug-fee city.

The council will be headed by Ricojudge Janvier "RJ" Echiverri, city councilor and president of Liga ng mga Barangay, while the city police chief will serve as vice chairman of the the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

Echiverri said the council will serve as focal point through which various organizations and individuals can work together cooperatively in the planning, implementation and evaluation of programs on drug abuse prevention and control.

It will also provide for an effective mechanism for the coordination of existing services and programs and those which might be developed in the future regarding drug abuse prevention and control.

It is tasked to provide for a mechanism to obtain funds, recruit volunteers, acquire facilities and technical expertise that would comprehensively address the drug problem.

The council is mandated to conduct information and education campaign that would ensure the community and citizen’s active participation and involvement in drug abuse prevention.