THE Mandaue City Council has approved the creation of a drug abuse prevention office, a few days before the observance of Drug Abuse Prevention and Control (DAPC) Week.

During its recent regular session, the City Council passed Ordinance 46-2019, which establishes the Mandaue City Substance Abuse Prevention Office (MCSAPO).

The ordinance states that the MCSAPO is mandated to give more teeth to the anti-illegal drugs programs under the Office of the Mayor by creating policies.

The City Council also set aside P10 million for the MCSAPO’s maintenance and implementation of its programs in the future.

The MCSAPO members include the chairpersons of the committees on health, education and peace and order, Sangguniang Kabataan, Mandaue City Health Office, members of nongovernmental organizations and business community, and Mayor Jonas Cortes.

On the third week of December, the MCSAPO will convene.

The legislation was authored by Councilor Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, one of the focal persons of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

Ruiz said she pushed for the creation of the MCSAPO as other local government units like the Cebu City Government have one.

The local lawmaker urged her fellow councilors to pass the ordinance as the DAPC Week will be observed on the third week of November.

The DAPC Week was declared during the time of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Ruiz said the Mandaue City Government supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs.

During the DAPC Week, Ruiz said the logo of the MCSAPO will be unveiled to the public through a press conference. KFD