Bontoc, Mountain Province – The Programs, Projects and Activities of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) are on track as these are being implemented before the year ends.
This was evident in the report by MADAC Secretariat, Social Welfare Officer III Stephanie Kanongkong during the joint Municipal Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development (MAGPTD) and MADAC meeting last June 28, 2024, at the Mayor’s Conference Hall of the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
Among these were the Information Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on the ill effects of illegal drugs spearheaded by the Bontoc Municipal Police Station (MPS) and partner stakeholders. Also, monitoring of the two Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) is being done.
Aside from these, the MADAC provided technical assistance to the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) on the application for retention of Drug-Free Barangays and Drug-Cleared Barangays.
Per record, the Drug –Cleared Barangays are Alab Proper, Bontoc Ili, Dalican, Mainit, Samoki, Talubin, Poblacion, and Caluttit. The last validation of the said barangays was in 2022 and 2023.
The Drug- Free Barangays include AlabOriente, Balili, Bayyo, Caneo, Gonogon, Guina-ang, Maligcong, and Tocucan. The date of verification of said barangays was on December 15, 2022.
Meanwhile, the Bontoc MPS reported that due to its geographical location, Bontoc is still considered a transit point for illegal drugs, particularly marijuana. In response to this, the personnel of the Bontoc MPS continuously conduct the intensified campaign against illegal drugs in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), barangay officials and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs). These resulted to two arrest operations for the year.
Municipal Administrator Eric Fulangen, Sr., who represented Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., thanked all present members for their dedication and commitment.
He added that the joint meeting symbolized a united front in addressing the pressing issues of peace and order and illegal drug abuse within the municipality.
“The commitment and dedication shown by the members underscored the collective effort towards creating a safer and healthier community for all residents. Together, with continued collaboration and support, the Bontoc municipality moves forward in its mission of promoting peace, order, and overall well-being for its people,” he emphasized.
The MAGPTD and MADAC members remarked that the meeting was productive and key issues were addressed with a focus on improving the overall well-being of the community.** Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay, Bontoc LGU