The Palawan provincial government has awarded P50,000 in financial assistance to the local government of Agutaya, reinforcing its commitment to curbing illegal drug use in the municipality. The funding, personally handed over by Governor Dennis M. Socrates, who also serves as chairman of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), aims to strengthen the town’s drug prevention and rehabilitation programs.
The turnover ceremony, held on February 28 at the Office of the Governor, was attended by Agutaya Municipal Vice-Mayor Fernando G. Ilustrisimo, SB Member Joey B. Zumarraga, MADAC focal person Joege N. Macmac, and MLGOO Jun Marvin G. Salvation, who formally received the financial grant on behalf of the local government.
The allocation is part of the implementation of Joint Memorandum Circular 2018-01 from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), which mandates provincial anti-drug councils to allocate funds for municipal and barangay-level anti-drug programs.
According to PADAC, four more municipalities are set to receive similar financial assistance once they complete the necessary documentation. Officials emphasize that the funding aims to reinforce local efforts in combating illegal drugs through education, rehabilitation, and preventive measures.
The financial assistance is expected to bolster Agutaya’s anti-drug initiatives by enabling the municipality to conduct more awareness campaigns, provide rehabilitation programs, and support community-based interventions. With these funds, local authorities can enhance their efforts in educating residents, particularly the youth, about the dangers of drug use and the importance of a drug-free community.
Municipal officials plan to use the financial aid to strengthen monitoring efforts and improve coordination between local enforcers, health workers, and educators. This will include conducting seminars on drug prevention, supporting treatment programs for individuals recovering from substance abuse, and improving mechanisms for reporting drug-related activities.
Governor Socrates reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to sustaining anti-drug programs across Palawan, noting that empowering municipalities like Agutaya with the necessary resources plays a crucial role in the broader campaign against illegal drugs.
Local officials and residents have welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that continued support from the provincial government is vital in ensuring that grassroots efforts against illegal drugs are both sustainable and effective.
By equipping Agutaya with resources to combat drug-related issues, provincial authorities hope to create a safer and more resilient community, where individuals, especially the youth, can thrive in a drug-free environment.
Discussion about this post