Bontoc, Mtn. Prov. – High school bands will converge in this capital town on November 17 for the “Battle of the Bands”.
Organized by the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), this activity aims to make the youth aware of the evils of illegal drug use. Each municipality will be sending a band each which will present two warm-up songs before singing the “Drug Free” song composed by Rev. Father Marcial LLoyd Castaneda.
It likewise aims to tickle the interest of the youth in music which seemingly has declined of late due to various reasons.
The drug free song has been adopted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through a resolution as the official theme song of the province to advance the campaign against illegal drugs. As such, every institution in the province shall sing the song at least once every month during their flag raising ceremonies.
As of press time, a team from the council is going around the municipalities to assess the bands participating in the activity.
On the same day, an essay writing contest shall also be held that will revolve around the same idea. Every school district shall be represented. Organizers, however, said that private highs schools in the province may send a contestant.
The Mountain Province PADAC has been on its toes to sustain its drive to keep the status of this drug-cleared province drug-free..
Two months ago, governor Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr. earmarked an amount from the savings of the provincial government to bankroll the expenses of the council.**ABB
