Recognizing its exemplary anti-illegal drug practices, the provincial government of Davao Oriental once again received the prestigious National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Award with a corresponding P100,000 cash incentive.
Board Member Stephen Paul Uy, who represented Governor Corazon Malanyaon, received the accolade and the incentive from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) XI Regional Director Alex Roldan together and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) XI Regional Director Naravy Duquiatan during the 2022 Davao Region Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Awards on March 06, 2023, at Park Inn, Lanang, Davao City.
During the Council Functionality Audit and Awarding Assessment for 2021, Davao Oriental garnered a perfect score of 100 functionality points. Davao Oriental has consistently received the award for years for its successful implementation and prioritization of the programs safeguarding the community from the threats caused by illegal drugs.
Aside from the innovative anti-drug abuse programs, the audit criteria include the organization of local ADAC, the conduct of ADAC meetings, allocation of funds for anti-illegal drug activities, formulation and implementation of ADAC plans and programs, and supervision and support to component ADACs. It also assesses the ADAC functionality in the barangays, the sustainability of Drug-Cleared or Drug-Free Status, and the reduction of drug affectation.
Meanwhile, PADAC Davao Oriental is committed to remaining steadfast as it sets out to reinforce its efforts and properly utilize the 100,000 cash incentive to combat illegal drugs. Among these initiatives is the conduct of training on its CADAC and MADAC Technical Working Groups, Trainings on Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment, among others.
Currently, out of the 183 barangays in the province, 171 were declared drug-cleared barangays, while five were declared drug-free, with only seven remaining uncleared barangays targeted for clearing.
Reinforcing its anti-drugs efforts, the Davao Oriental’s provincial government-run Balay Silangan Reformation Center for drug reformists continues to cater to outpatient and inpatient clients. Currently, the facility has already produced a total of 229 outpatient graduates and 19 inpatient graduates since its establishment in 2019.
LGUs in the province that received the same accolade were the City of Mati and the municipalities of Lupon and Boston. Meanwhile, other municipalities were also lauded as regional awardees for garnering a score of 85-99 during the performance audit, including the Municipalities of Baganga, Banaybanay, Caraga, Cateel, San Isidro, and the Municipality of Tarragona. ʙʏ ᴍᴀʀᴋ ᴏʟɪᴠᴇʀ ᴀʟᴠɪᴛᴇ
