Tandag City strengthens barangay drug-clearing efforts
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) -- The city government of Tandag, through the City Anti-Drug Abuse Office in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), reinforced its commitment to combat illegal drugs by recently spearheading a training on the Barangay Drug-Clearing Program in Tandag City.
The initiative was conducted in line with DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2024-141, emphasizing the revitalization and sustainability of anti-drug efforts at the barangay level. T
The event also featured the 2024 Excellence in Barangay Governance: Parangal at Pasasalamat, recognizing outstanding contributions to local governance and drug-clearing efforts.
The training brought together members of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils and Sangguniang Kabataan officials from 21 barangays. Representatives from key agencies and sectors, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Liga ng mga Barangay, the Chamber of Commerce of Tandag, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Provincial Parole and Probation Office and the religious sector, participated in the discussions, signifying strong community support for the initiative.
DILG City Local Government Operations Officer Olivia P. Bagasbas stressed the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation in sustaining drug-free barangays.
“This program is a shared responsibility. The government, law enforcement agencies and communities must work hand in hand to ensure that our barangays remain drug-free and safe for all,” she emphasized.
PDEA Legal Officer Randy Agustin provided an in-depth discussion on the Salient Features of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He outlined the essential steps and validation process in certifying barangays as drug-cleared and emphasized the importance of a drug-free workplace in community development.
The PDEA, PIA and PNP pledged their full support to the revitalization efforts of the Barangay Drug-Clearing Program. These agencies reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring effective implementation, strict enforcement and public awareness campaigns to maintain drug-free communities.
PIA emphasized its role in disseminating accurate information, engaging communities and amplifying government programs that promote peace, security and a drug-free society.
The PNP, along with the Liga ng mga Barangay and the Chamber of Commerce of Tandag, vowed to support barangay officials in enforcing anti-drug policies and initiatives.
The religious sector committed to providing moral and spiritual guidance to encourage individuals to resist illegal drugs and make positive life choices.
This multi-sectoral collaboration demonstrates the unified commitment of both the public and private sectors in ensuring a safer, more progressive Tandag City. With sustained efforts, community engagement and strategic implementation, the city remains steadfast in its vision of achieving drug-free barangays and a more resilient society. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
