THE local government unit of Angeles, led by Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr., has garnered the highest adjectival rating in terms of Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Adac) functionality.
Adac-Functionality Monitoring System (FMS) said that based on their audit from the performance of the city, it has reached a high level of functionality. This is in accordance with the indicators set by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-DDB Joint Memorandum Circular 2018-01.
According to Lazatin, the City Government will continue to intensify its anti-drug-related programs to further cleanse the city of the illegal drug menace.
"Following my top agenda is to ensure a drug-free community in the city, which is why we are conducting comprehensive activities to AngeleƱos, to raise their awareness with regards the harmful effects of drug abuse," he said.
He also cited the newly-constructed Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) office in Angeles, the first in the city. The facility was funded by the City Government for P2 million.
The mayor also said he will reinforce drug-clearing efforts in his administration which is set to be implemented this year, such as the adaptation of PDEA's Oplan Harabas; surprise drug-testing among City Hall employees twice a year; a mandatory drug-testing for all business establishments before being issued a business permit; anti-drug campaign programs among youth sector, where a total of 80 percent of their total budget will be allotted to these programs; and establishment of Balay Silangan Reformation Center in Barangay Sta. Teresita, among others.
Meanwhile, Lazatin thanked the DILG for commending the city to fight the seeds of illegal drugs, as well as the efforts of Acadac, PDEA and Angeles City Police officials to work hand-in-hand for the primary goal for the city -- to eliminate drugs.
"We have to work hand-in-hand for our primary goal for the City is to eliminate drugs. We have 33 villages here, and we are targeting that at the end of my term as local chief executive, all of these barangays will be cleared from drugs," he added. (PR)