Danao City Students, Province Strengthen Efforts vs. Drug Use

Prevention efforts are most successful when they involve multiple sectors of a community, such as law enforcement, neighborhood organizations and schools.

It is also critical to focus resources and efforts on preventing use before it ever starts. This is not only common sense but also cost-effective.
The Cebu Provincial Government has brought into action the Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) an in-depth drug educational program initiated by the Department of Education (DepEd).

BKD is an effective peer based preventive education and information program to counter the dangers and ill effects of drug abuse. It organizes the youth into a movement who are catalysts within their peer groups in advocating a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.

Last Oct. 17-18, Danao City Government led by Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III and DepEd-Danao City Division in close coordination with the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Commission (CPADAC) held a Supreme Student Government (SSG) Leadership Camp at the Severo Duterte Memorial Elementary School.

The 2-day event was well attended by 125 SSG officers of 29 schools in Danao City, including 25 SSG advisers. The activity includes SSG Division Federation election, orientation and organization as well as workshop focused on Barkada Kontra Droga program.

Topics discussed were the salient points of R.A. 9165 and the Truth about Drugs with speakers Atty. Mauro Licen, CPADAC Vice Chair Carmen Remedios Durano-Meca and CPADAC Executive Director Joey Herrera.

To complete the activity, Danao City officials led by Mayor Durano has signed a pledge to set an example to live a drug-free life for a safer community.

Governor Hilario P. Davide III, also CPADAC chairman, gave two specific instructions during the launching of BKD last July: Avoid the use of illegal drugs and prevent their fellow students from using the same. (by Heart Rizarri)

www.cebu.gov.ph