Balawan: Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council Summit

Dreams shattered and lives wasted. These are the ill-effects of illegal drug use sometimes irreparable. All of us are aware of these facts, but most of us just do not care and simply ignore. If only we all show that needed concern lest the problem worsens, life would not be any further damaged.

The City Government of Baguio through the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-CAR), and the Baguio Center for Young Adults, Inc. (BCYA) conducted the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) Summit on March 17, 2010 at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Baguio City Hall.

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The Summit adopted the theme “Working together against drug abuse”. With the ill-effects of illegal drugs rampant in our midst today, this Summit is just timely for all of us to be conscious about this social cancer that slowly infests our world and to strive harder to at least minimize if not to totally eliminate the same.

As expounded by ABC President Joel A. Alangsab, it was the primary objective of the Summit to contribute to the noble vision of attaining a drug-free Baguio City. Furthermore, it was the aim of the Summit to address the challenge of the increasing critical drug menace in the City of Baguio.

To meet the challenge, we must have the proper knowledge and understanding of the magnitude of the drug problem in our City, illegal drug detection and reporting, and the parameters of clearing drug-affected areas which was discussed by PDEA OIC Reg’l. Dir. Col. Edgar Apalla.

It is likewise necessary that we acquire the basic skills on home clustering for anti-drug prevention and management, and on organizing or mobilizing the community for anti-drug work which were explained further by Senior Inspector Henry Domogan of BCPO/DEU and Ms. Marlene de Castro of BCYA respectively.

Lastly, strategic options on how to respond to drug problems in affected areas must be discussed.

These are what the Summit invaluably offered the participants.

In the same occasion, City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr., who is himself the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) Chairperson, and Vice-Mayor Daniel Fariñas, who is the CADAC Action Officer, reiterated the role of Barangay Officials. This is with reason that Barangay Officials must be empowered inorder to become effective leaders against drug abuse.

The Summit gave the Barangay participants the opportunity to brainstorm on related Barangay drug issues and concerns and the role of the Barangay stakeholders.

Similarly, the participants had the chance to create their action plans and inter-Barangay strategies for anti-drug programs. Hopefully, these outputs are not confined merely within the duration of this summit and expire thereafter but would turn out into concrete actions; otherwise, the Summit would all be in vain.

As Barangay leaders, the participants in this Summit must take the lead in facing the challenge that drug abuse brings our society. They have the great responsibility to oversee their respective jurisdictions.

However, clearly, drug abuse is the problem not only of the directly affected individuals but also of the society as a whole. As such, it is the responsibility of all—officials, guardians, parents, and families.

Let us not evade our moral responsibility but look for ways to maintain order in our society. Let us save the young for they are our hope; our future depends on them. Illegal drugs ruin our lives and theirs. Together let us eradicate drug abuse; otherwise, there is no bright future to look forward to.

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Leaders are important for they are our drivers in governance. Just recently, we have lost a couple of good leaders, Mr. James Quirante, the President of the Federation of Barangay Tanods in the City of Baguio, and Punong Barangay Jose Abrera of A. Bonifacio Barangay. They have exemplified good and sincere public service during their tenure as Barangay leaders. To their families and relatives we extend our most sincere sympathies.