To strengthen the anti-illegal drug abuse programs in its 188 barangays, the local government of Caloocan City, under the leadership of Mayor Oscar Malapitan, recently held a training and orientation seminar.
More than 150 barangay officials from Barangays 1-24 participated in the first leg of the event conducted by the City’s Anti-Drug Abuse Council in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government.
DILG-Caloocan City director Marco Cabueños said one of their primary objectives is to welcome drug surrenderers back to society.
“We must actively participate in the campaign against illegal drugs. We are not enemies of drug surrenderers. We must help them through our sustainable community-based drug rehabilitation program,” Cabueños said.
Speakers from the DILG, CADAC, and Philippine National Police emphasized that the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council’s role is not just about creating a drug watchlist, but also about implementing necessary programs and monitoring its impacts.
During the training and seminar, participants came up with their Badac’s action plan.
Participants from other barangays are also set to undergo the same seminar on Sept. 3, 10, 14, 17, 24, and 28.
According to Cadac head Atty. Sikini Labastilla, Caloocan City has a total of seven drug-cleared barangays right now.
Meanwhile, Mayor Oscar Malapitan continuously encourages drug dependents to undergo the city’s rehabilitation program to gain new lives.