Local execs: Coordination in all levels of gov’t key to campaign vs drug abuse
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
‘Panagtigum sa Barangay’ is an initiative of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, in partnership with municipal and barangay leaders across the region. The interactive talk show-style program tackles pressing local issues, with the latest episode spotlighting San Miguel, Surigao del Sur’s journey toward becoming a drug-free municipality.
PIA Caraga collaborated with Barangay Magroyong in the municipality of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, with the topic of San Miguel’s anti-illegal drugs campaign laid on the table—the challenges that illegal drugs have brought to their communities and their journey toward achieving the much coveted title of being a ‘Drug-free Municipality.’
One of the invited subject matter experts was Punong Barangay Carlito Intas, vice-president of the ‘Liga ng Barangay (League of Barangays)’ San Miguel chapter. Intas shared on the contribution of the officials at the barangay level in the municipality’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
“In our level, each barangay has our own set of strategies and initiatives to help combat the spread of illegal drugs in our respective areas of responsibility. In our barangay for example, we regularly conduct assemblies in communities, schools, and even through our partnership with the church, wherein we always include in the discussion the negative effects of illegal drugs and the laws that prohibit its use,” said Intas.
He also highlighted the role of barangay tanods (peace officers) in identifying persons who use drugs (PWUDs) for endorsement to the municipal government, where they receive counseling and appropriate intervention.
“As grassroots leaders, we have firsthand knowledge of what’s happening in our communities. The support from the Philippine National Police (PNP)–San Miguel has been invaluable, making our work more manageable and aligned with our shared goal of promoting drug-free communities,” Intas added.
Representing Municipal Mayor Michael Corilla,
Executive Consultant Sheila Buniel presented to the audience their
comprehensive anti-illegal drug campaign, anchored on the mayor’s commitment to
peace and public safety—item six on his 10-point agenda.
“The mayor has been very vocal in his stance
against illegal drugs, especially for minors. He even includes the meaning of
BIDA. In his speaking engagements, reiterating to the audience, particularly
the youth, how the government gives high regard to the lives of the new
generation and how they can safeguard it by avoiding illegal drugs,” shared
Buniel.
The acronym ‘BIDA’ stands for ‘Buhay Ingatan,
Drogay’s Ayawan,’ a multisectoral and holistic initiative led by the Department
of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), highlighting drug demand reduction
through education, prevention, law enforcement, rehabilitation, and community
empowerment.
“LGU San Miguel constantly works with our barangays and PNP personnel in conducting information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns throughout the community. This includes our support and partnership with the PNP’s ‘Project READY’, which stands for ‘Resistance Education Against Drugs for the Youth.’ We also conduct surveillance and monitoring for those PWUDs who still continue to use illegal drugs for endorsement to our Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP),” Buniel expounded.
The CBDRP is a localized, inclusive approach to help individuals who use drugs—especially those classified as low-risk or mild users—recover within their own communities rather than in isolated rehabilitation centers. PWUDs usually undergo a 6-month rehabilitation program, part of which is for them to be subjected to three drug tests to ensure their adherence to the program.
For San Miguel, most of the PWUDs have been classified by the CBDRP as low-risk users who are recommended for outpatient rehabilitation.
The strong coordination between barangay and municipal officials has been instrumental in the success of the anti-illegal drugs campaign in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. Barangays serve as the frontline in identifying and endorsing PWUDs to the municipal government, which in turn provides critical support and implements further interventions. This seamless collaboration has paved the way for San Miguel’s declaration as a drug-free municipality. (NJGD/PIA Caraga)
