PALO, Leyte – The joint efforts of Local Government Units (LGUs) towards the call for a drug-free community in initiating innovations and exemplary implementation of programs were recognized during the 2022 Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Awards at the Oriental Hotel, Palo, Leyte on February 8, 2023.
A total of 15 LGUs were recognized as national awardees for garnering excellent scores in the functionality audit and complying with the 2021 ADAC Performance Audit Indicators along with additional criteria.
Apart from Glass Markers presented during the Awarding Rites in Metro Manila last December 13, 2022, the national awardees received 100,000 pesos and a marble marker. Receiving the award were the Governors, City and Municipal Mayors, as well as DILG Provincial Directors and ADAC Focal Persons. The national awardees include:
- Ormoc City
- Paranas, Samar
- Anahawan, Southern Leyte
- Hinunangan, Southern Leyte
- Hinundayan, Southern Leyte
- Libagon, Southern Leyte
- Liloan, Southern Leyte
- Macrohon, Southern Leyte
- Malitbog, Southern Leyte
- Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte
- San Francisco, Southern Leyte
- San Ricardo, Southern Leyte
- Silago, Southern Leyte
- Sogod, Southern Leyte
- Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte
On the other hand 33 LGUs received high scores in the Functionality and Performance Audit Indicators to qualify as Regional Awardees. The Regional ADAC Awardees that were given the glass markers recognizing their exemplary efforts were:
- Tacloban City
- Province of Leyte
- Baybay City
- Alangalang, Leyte
- Barugo, Leyte
- Burauen, Leyte
- Calubian, Leyte
- Hindang, Leyte
- Kananga, Leyte
- Matalom, Leyte
- Villaba, Leyte
- Province of Southern Leyte
- Maasin City, Southern Leyte
- Bontoc, Southern Leyte
- Limasawa, Southern Leyte
- Pintuyan, Southern Leyte
- Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte
- San Juan, Southern Leyte
- General McArthur, Eastern Samar
- Jipapad, Eastern Samar
- Lawaan, Eastern Samar
- Oras, Eastern Samar
- Quinapondan, Eastern Samar
- Calbayog City, Samar
- Basey, Samar
- Jiabong, Samar
- Gandara, Samar
- Marabut, Samar
- Almeria, Biliran
- Biliran, Biliran
- Cabucgayan, Biliran
- Culaba, Biliran and
- Mapanas, Northern Samar
The 48 LGUs exemplified excellence in a whole-of-nation approach to eradicate drugs in the country, and the drug campaign’s impact to their communities reflects the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens.
DILG-8 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe represented DILG Secretary Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. in leading the ceremonies. In his message, RD Agabe lauded the efforts of the LCEs for their exemplary action in the anti-drug operations and reflected on how the achievements of the LGUs are a testament of what Region VIII can achieve, that could hopefully serve as an inspiration for everyone to go on with what they have started.
“Even as we thank you for your actions, we challenge you to continue the path of good governance, to innovate, and to reach out to others, all for the betterment of your communities.” RD Agabe said.
Meanwhile, DILG-8 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Darwin N. Bibar in his message emphasized the Awarding Rites as a recognition of the support of LGUs in complementing the national government’s anti-illegal drug campaign, and the efforts through the leadership of their respective Local Chief Executives, made it possible for the LGUs to achieve such success in the pursuit of a drug-free community.
“We salute each and every one for your contributory efforts and overall support to law enforcement agencies and the national government. With your dedication and commitment, we intend to glean innovative ideas and best practices in this fight towards a drug-free community,” ARD Bibar said.
The ADAC Awards aims to incentivize the performance of Local ADACs to plan and implement programs to help stop the supply and demand of illegal drugs, and to help the victims recover from the effects of the illegal drugs.
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