SEVEN villages in Cebu City have received cash prizes and recognition for helping minimize the illegal drug problem in their communities.
Barangays Toong, Sto. Niño, Basak-Pardo, Barrio Luz, Sudlon 1 and 2, and Parian were recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Cebu City Government for their outstanding Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils.
Aside from having an outstanding Badacs, Barangay Sudlon 2 was also recognized by the DILG and the City Government after it obtained a drug-cleared status.
The barangays with outstanding Badacs were awarded with P100,000 while Sudlon 2 got an additional P100,000 for its drug-cleared status.
Dr. Neila Aquino, DILG Cebu City acting chief, said there are now 13 barangays in the city that have been declared drug-cleared barangays.
These are Barangays Sudlon 1, Sudlon 2, Sapangdaku, Pamutan, Parian, Toong, Basak-Pardo, Sto. Niño, Sinsin, Kinasang-an, San Antonio, Lusaran and Buot.
Aquino urged the other barangays not to stop their campaign against illegal drugs and that they must double their efforts even though the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte is coming to an end.
“Dili nato ni hinayan ang atong lihok, kondili atong paspasan pa, i-maintain pa gyud nato ang atong performance ug atong palabwan,” said Aquino.
(Let’s not slow down in our efforts, but we must move fast, let’s maintain our performance and even outshine it.)
In his speech, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama reminded the barangays to make sure that the proliferation of illegal drugs in their communities will not go back. The mayor highlighted that there is a need to eradicate illegal drugs in society especially after he was accused in the past of being a drug addict.
“Mao na when it comes to this matter about drugs, I am very sensitive. Because I have become a victim, being condemned without being heard,” said Rama.
No to e-sabong
Rama also made his stand against illegal gambling and the return of e-sabong, or online cockfighting.
“I am telling you, I am not in favor of e-sabong. I am not, because I am not a gambler,” said Rama.