PDEA declares drug-free workplaces inTagana-an, Surigao Norte
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — In a major triumph in public governance and community safety, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) declared the local government unit (LGU) of Tagana-an in Surigao del Norte, including all 14 barangays, as a drug-free workplace.
The Drug-Free Workplace Program (DFWP) of the PDEA is aligned with the anti-illegal drug advocacy of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and a regulatory initiative to assist government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and private businesses in complying with Republic Act No. 9165 by conducting mandatory drug tests and educational campaigns to maintain safe and productive environments.
The formal declaration was spearheaded by Agent Wenifredo D. Alagabia Jr., provincial officer of the PDEA-Surigao del Norte Provincial Office (SDNPO).
He emphasized that the certification is a direct result of the stringent evaluation of internal policies regarding substance abuse, the successful and continuous implementation of random drug testing protocols across all levels of LGU personnel, and institutional integrity, ensuring that those who serve the public are held to the highest ethical standards.
“A clean, drug-free workforce is not just a regulatory compliance matter; it is the bedrock of transparent, reliable, and efficient public service that the citizens of Tagana-an rightfully deserve,” Alagabia said.
Tagana-an Mayor Cesar Ian B. Diaz accepted the plaque of appreciation on behalf of the municipality, symbolising its strict adherence to the Drug-Free Workplace Program (DFWP).
To mark this achievement at the grassroots level, leaders from all 14 barangays were likewise honored and recognized… They were also presented with official advocacy tarpaulins bearing the vigilant reminder, ‘Let’s Keep It This Way,’ designed for prominent display in conspicuous areas within their respective government offices.
Mayor Diaz said, “This institutional milestone is a testament to Tagana-an’s unwavering commitment to public safety, ethical governance, and institutional integrity. Far from being a routine bureaucratic exercise, the drug-free workplace status demands rigorous compliance.”
He added that the success story of Tagana-an reflects a larger, highly coordinated anti-drug campaign vibrating across the entire province of Surigao del Norte. “The provincial rollout of the DFWP owes its efficacy to strong political will and institutional partnership between local executives and law enforcement.
Barangay Talavera officials expressed gratitude for the recognition of their BLGU. They said, “Being declared a drug-free workplace is a testament to our shared vision of a peaceful and progressive community. A drug-free workplace means a safer, brighter future for our youth and a more peaceful neighbourhood for everyone. Let’s stay united and maintain this achievement.”
Meanwhile, key drivers for the sustainability of this program include a provincial mandate under the leadership of Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chairperson, who led the passing of a landmark resolution mandating the institutionalisation of the DFWP. This directive spans all LGUs, national government agencies (NGAs), and private sector entities within the province.
Demonstrating its commitment that goes beyond rhetoric, the provincial government actively allocated provincial funds to procure the plaques, citations, and advocacy tarpaulins used to incentivise and recognise compliant workplaces.
With Tagana-an setting a stellar example, the PDEA-SDNPO and the provincial government continue to urge other municipalities to fortify their internal policies, ensuring that public offices remain safe, secure, and drug-free zones. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from PDEA-Surigao del Norte)
