BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Department of the Interior and Local Government Cordillera (DILG-CAR) urged member agencies of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) Advocacy Cluster to intensify public education and advocacy campaigns against illegal drugs.
During the 3rd Quarter meeting ICAD Advocacy Cluster on September 30, 2025, DILG-CAR Regional Director Anthony Nuyda emphasized the importance of revisiting current activities aimed at informing the public about the dangers of illegal drugs and encouraged agencies to share campaign materials and collaborate on developing new advocacy initiatives.
“Advocacy is a major component for any office or agency to be declared drug-free, whether in the government or private sector. It’s a significant step when organizations constantly remind everyone about the dangers of illegal drug use and inform the public, employees, and their families about their activities,” he said.
Nuyda encouraged agencies to integrate anti-illegal drug programs into their existing initiatives, focusing on rehabilitation and the Barangay Drug Clearing Program. He cited the successful conduct of the IPEYAS Knowledge Sharing Session conducted via online spearheaded by DILG and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
“Baka may ganoong programa po sa mga ahensiya ninyo at puwedeng isingit natin iyong programs on illegal drugs and the rehabilitation and the barangay drug clearing program.”
He noted the parameters for declaring an LGU as drug-cleared or drug-free and acknowledged the Department of Labor and Employment for its role e in declaring drug-free workplaces in the private sector and PDEA for the public sector.
Nuyda called on the advocacy cluster to help more agencies and companies achieve drug-free status.
The problem of illegal drugs in the Cordillera and Baguio City may not be as severe, but sustained advocacy is still crucial, he said. **JDP/MAWC-PIA-CAR
