Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs on Thursday, September 14
Lacson and PDEA Assistant Regional Director Marjorie Ballesteros signed the MOA for the sustainable implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) with the launching of the Adbokasiya Laban sa Iligal nga Droga (ALAB) campaign during a Training of Trainers (TOT) at the Mambukal Convention Hall, in Murcia.
“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 addressing the drug problem in the communities,” a press release from the Negros Occidental provincial government said.
The Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council will conduct the TOT by providing logistical and financial support, while the PDEA will provide the resource persons and materials for training, it added.
The three-day training aims to equip and educate the members of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Philippine National Police, Department of the Interior and Local Government, 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.
The governor, in his message, urged those present to take a stand against illegal drug use and promote healthy living. He also stressed the importance of education and activities like the TOT 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”, he said.*