San Miguel, Surigao Sur pupil shares value of early drug education
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — At only nine years old, Marjun Cutoban, a Grade 5 pupil of Magroyong Elementary School in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, already understands the harmful effects of illegal drugs, proof that drug education at an early age can truly make a difference.
During the ‘Panagtigum sa Barangay,’ a grassroots forum for a drug-free community, Cutoban, in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, reminded his fellow pupils and the children to stay away from drugs.
“It is not good to use illegal drugs because they can destroy our future and health,” he said. As a kuya (older brother) he also encouraged pupils like him to listen to their parents, avoid vices, and always choose to say ‘no’ to drugs.
Cotuban’s simple but firm message reflected how children, when guided early, can become advocates for their own well-being and role model for their peers. It also underscored the importance of strengthening drug education in elementary schools so that pupils are equipped with knowledge and values before facing risky influences.
The forum also highlighted local efforts to keep children in school. The local government unit of San Miguel presented its interventions to address dropouts, with Sagbayan National High School cited for achieving zero dropout, a best practice seen as protection against drug involvement among the youth.
Police Major Elmar Claret, chief of police of San Miguel Municipal Police Station, likewise reminded participants that drug use destroys not only health but also futures. He emphasized that Barangay Magroyong remains a drug-free community and assured that regular monitoring continues to sustain this status.
As part of sustained awareness efforts, PMaj. Claret also mentioned Project READY (resistance education against drugs for the youth), a program of the Philippine National Police (PNP) that supports communities by promoting education and shared responsibility in the fight against illegal drugs.
Capping the activity, the youth of San Miguel pledged their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle, showing how early awareness and active participation can protect their health, future, and overall well-being.
Through Panagtigum sa Barangay, which meant gathering in the barangay, and other continuing initiatives, the local government of San Miguel delivers a strong message that a drug-free future is a shared mission and responsibility, where families, schools, local leaders, and even children like Catuban, all have a voice. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
