|
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Candidates barred from anti-drug caravan launch
By Ben O. Tesiorna
THE nationwide caravan against illegal drugs will kick off Tuesday and is said to be off limits to electoral candidates to prevent politicking.
Dubbed as "Lakbay Kontra Droga," the nationwide caravan will start Tuesday from various key cities in the country and will culminate on Thursday in several convergence points.
In Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro and Davao cities will be the convergence points of the caravan. For the southern and central Mindanao areas, the caravan will start in General Santos City today then to Maguindanao province, Cotabato City, Kidapawan, Makilala, Digos City and will arrive in Davao City on the Feb. 19.
Rodolfo Razul, director of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 11, said they are advising politicians to refrain from attending the affair since they do not want the caravan to become a "miting de avance".
It was learned, however, that President Arroyo is expected to attend the Davao City affair.
Razul said the nationwide caravan is aimed at intensifying the information campaign of the Dangerous Drugs Board against illegal drugs.
Razul denied insinuations the affair was conducted simply to accommodate Arroyo's campaign sorties.
"This is just giving more emphasis on the problem but the campaign (against drugs) is not new," he said.
Aside from the caravan, free drug testing will also be conducted by the Department of Health. They expect to accommodate about 100,000 individuals who want to avail of the free examination nationwide.
Awareness seminars and lectures will also be conducted.
(February 17, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
