Cebu PB Passes Ordinance Turning Anti-drug Council Into a Full Department

The Cebu Provincial board (PB) has passed an ordinance upgrading the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CPADAC) into a full department with regular fund allocation and staff.

It will now be called the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office (CPADAO).

Cebu PB Member Carmen Durano-Meca, author of the ordinance, said the CPADAO will assist the governor in ensuring the local government units (LGUs) perform their tasks and responsibilities pursuant to laws against illegal drugs.

Meca said the newly-created drug abuse office will also coordinate with government offices for effective implementation of programs and projects against drug abuse.

The CPADAO will facilitate the enactment of laws and ordinances that will complement existing laws against drug abuse.

The office will also conduct research and gather data to inform the programs in the enforcement of laws against drug abuse, promote educational programs, push campaigns and activities of various sectors on the problems on illegal drugs.

The CPADAO will also assist law enforcement agencies in their anti-drug abuse operations and recommends to the governor the creation of an anti-drug abuse council at all levels in the province.

Meca said the CPADAO will have both administrative and operation divisions. (PNA) LDV/EB/SSC