In recognition of their exemplary performance in the implementation of all anti-illegal drug programs, projects, and activities, 35 Region 8 municipalities and cities were granted the 2023 Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Award on November 22, 2023, at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

The 35 awardees recognized are composed of:

• Province of Southern Leyte,

• Ormoc City

• Maasin City, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Lilioan, Macrohon, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, St. Bernard, San Juan, Tomas Oppus, Limasawa, Southern Leyte; Balangiga,

• Can-avid, General Macarthur, Hernani, Jipapad, Lawaan, Llorente, Maydolong, Quinapondan, Salcedo, San Policarpio, Sulat, Eastern Samar;

• Alangalang, Carigara, and Javier, Leyte;

• Gamay and Mapanas, Northern Samar;

• Jiabong, Samar; and

• Cabucgayan, Biliran.

The said Eastern Visayas Local Government Units (LGUs) garnered 100 points in the regional ADAC audit and passed the national calibration. They were awarded glass markers and Php100,000.00 each as an honorarium for their efforts in supporting the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

To further inspire and empower LGUs and their ADAC, the event was graced by the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG), different DILG Regional Directors of Visayas and Mindanao, including DILG Region 8 Regional Director, Arnel M. Agabe.

Secretary Abalos also proudly shared the achievements of the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Program ever since its grand launch in November 2022. He highlighted the different partnerships with the public and private sectors that made the campaign a success.

“Because this is a war [on illegal drugs], we are fighting for our children and for our country. At sa araw na ito kayo ang mga bayani,” said SILG Benjamin Abalos in his talk.

Meanwhile, in support of empowering the ADAC in all LGUs, Senator Bato Dela Rosa, who is a guest of honor, echoed his support for passing the ADAC Bill in the Senate. #