In support of the national administration’s war against illegal narcotics, three towns in Catanduanes have pioneered the Provincial Drug Summit last February 28 to March 2, in their respective venues.
The summit was held in the municipalities of Virac, San Miguel, and San Andres and led by the provincial government and sponsored by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Catanduanes, Department of Health Catanduanes and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office V in cooperation with local government units and CATPPO.
Christian O. Frivaldo, PDEA Regional Office V Director discussed during the event the National Drug Situation and Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation no. 3.
“Frivaldo said that instead of proceeding into the income of the municipality, a lot of money is going to the drug lords because of non-intensified eradication of illegal drugs, that is why the summit plays a vital role in the drug clearing operation of the province,” the province said.
“Nilalason ka na nga, nagbabayad ka pa,” Fivaldo was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Chief Legal Officer of PDEA Regional Office V, Alex R. Fulgencio discussed the salient provisions of R.A. 9165 in relation to Barangay Drug Clearing.
“Furthermore, Municipal Drug Situation was discussed by the Chief of Police of each municipality, while the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers of each municipality talked about the Municipal Reintegration Program,” the province said.
Agent Noe S. Briguel, PDEA Provincial Officer for Catanduanes recognized the drug-cleared barangays, namely Brgy. Obo, and Pangilao and challenged the other barangays to attain such status.
“Kung kaya nila, alam naming kaya niyo rin!,” Briguel said.
Represented by Provincial Administrator Lemuel P. Surtida, Governor Joseph Cua in his message said that the Provincial Government shares the same dream of having drug-free environment.
“We will not stop until we see this dream come into reality. Let us help one another in making change and hope accessible. Let us remind our people that we care,” he said.