DILG empowers over 350 youth leaders to champion drug-free communities in Caraga
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga conducted a youth intervention activity earlier this month as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen youth engagement in promoting safe and drug-free communities.
More than 350 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from across the Caraga region actively participated in the “Champions for Change: Empowering Caraga’s Youth for a Drug-Free Future,” a youth intervention activity held on June 9 in Butuan City.
The initiative, aligned with the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., supported the country’s efforts to address illegal drugs through prevention and youth empowerment rather than enforcement alone, and mobilized youth leaders as partners in nation-building.
Resource speakers from various government agencies and partner offices provided updates on the region’s current drug situation and discussed key provisions of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In his discussion, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division Chief Ray Gregory F. Jaranilla of DILG Caraga, said, “In 2024 the youngest admission to the Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRCs) was a 12-year old minor, while the oldest was 76 years old. This data highlighted the importance of empowering the youth to become champions for change.”
“We believe that through the youth leaders, they can influence their fellow young people in avoiding the normalization of drug use. Youth leaders can better relate with the newer generations compared to the latter generations due to the generational gap,” said Dindo D. Abellanosa, regional public information officer of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). “That is why this activity is very important, allowing them to understand the vital role of the youth in advocating for awareness, community involvement, and responsible leadership.”
The activity served as a reminder that their role goes beyond simply organizing events and celebrations. As youth leaders, they are expected to guide and empower their fellow young people through meaningful interventions, including educational initiatives, skills development programs, sports activities, and other community-based efforts that promote positive values, active citizenship, and holistic youth development, Abellamosa added.
Coming from a barangay that is drug-free, Kyla Marie Claro of Barangay Rojales in Carmen, Agusan del Norte shared how sustained youth-focused initiatives, such as symposiums and sports activities, have helped their community prevent drug use and foster positive engagement among young people.
According to Claro, these activities provide more than just recreation and entertainment, rather, they create meaningful opportunities for young people to build friendships, strengthen their sense of belonging, and actively participate in community life.
“Our activities have a purpose. Through these programs, we build relationships with our fellow youth, encourage community involvement, and provide positive outlets for their energy and talents. Young people, then, become more aware of the consequences of illegal drugs and are less likely to give in to peer pressure because they already know the do’s and don’ts,” said Claro. (MFC, PIA Caraga)