Tuesday, March 11, 2008 City drug center unregistered, lack equipment
ALTHOUGH the City Government has set up a drug-testing center at the City Health Services Office (CHSO), this has not been registered as one because it lacks some needed facilities.
Dr. Zoraida Clavio of the CHSO disclosed this during the latest meeting of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Cadac), where she also informed the body of the problems being encountered by physicians whose registration with the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) may be cancelled.
However, she told Baguio City Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas, Cadac action officer, and other members of the body that their association, with the assistance of the DDB, is now taking some measures to remedy this situation.
During the meeting, Fariñas informed Cadac members that since the budget of the city was still awaiting approval, the Cadac budget is also affected.
He, however, enjoined each Cadac member agency and organization to submit their respective anti-drug abuse program proposals for study, which if found feasible would be approved and adopted as part of the city's overall program.
All coordinators were enjoined to submit their proposals at the soonest possible time for the Cadac to review it before the preparation and submission of the 2008 work plan to the City Budget Office.
Baguio Center for Young Adults executive director Marlene de Castro also told the body their Lifepride program has been successfully implemented and supported by Cadac.
Considering this program is on youth development, Fariñas assured de Castro and the rest of the body of Cadac's continued support by adopting the same as part of this year's activities.
Fariñas also said since there are agencies and individuals "who have been very supportive of the Cadac in attaining its vision and mission for a drug-free Baguio City," the Cadac has decided to recognize them in a fitting awards ceremony. (ENO)
