BAGUIO CITY – In line with the government’s all out campaign against illegal drugs entire the country, the city government here through the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) underwent a two-day planning at the Baguio City Police Office multi-purpose hall to address the continuing illegal drug activities in the city..
Despite the on-going programs intended for Persons with Substance Use Disorder (PSUDs), there is still a need to intensify the city’s drive in making Baguio a drug-free city.
To date, the BCPO has recorded 2,380 drug surrenderees (pusher – 2,028 and user – 352). However, out of the 2,380 surrenderees, only 343 surrenderees underwent the Integrated Community Based Rehabilitation Program (ICBRP) of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan stressed that a strict and continuous monitoring of drug surrenderees is expected from the barangay officials, BCPO including the constituents.
It is very important to look for effective strategies on how to motivate the other drug surrenderees to attend and undergo the ICBRP, added Domogan.
The conduct of a random drug test to junior and senior high schools students as well as all universities in the city is being encouraged. Said random test aims to spare them from being involved in illegal drug activities at a young age.
The local chief executive has requested concerned offices of the local government to source out the required funds for the mandated random drug test for junior and senior high school students so it could be implemented soon to help in the formulation of the needed interventions that will spare the students from being involved in the use of illegal drugs.
An anti-drug caravan will be topped during the pasadang pambarangay every Friday in the different barangays so as to coach and educate families on the ill effects of illegal drugs.
Moreover, Domogan emphasized the importance of strengthening family values formation.
“Parents should be reminded on their mandate to inculcate good moral values to their children,” said the mayor.
As of this writing, out of the 128 barangays in the city, there are still six barangays recorded to be moderately drug affected, four unaffected, and 122 drug cleared./Jho Arranz
