Capitol Officials: Let’s Continue The Fight vs Drugs

Top officials of the provincial government urged all stakeholders to keep up the unified front in the war against illegal drugs in a bid to make Cebu a drug-free province.

In a speech during Wednesday’s awarding ceremony of Sugbo Kontra Droga (SUKOD), Gov. Hilario P. Davide III acknowledged the active role of Cebuanos, local government units (LGUs), law enforcement agencies and the Department of Interior and Local Government in the success of the province’s anti-drug program.

“Our task to promote law and order is a shared responsibility. We could not implement it without the cooperation of Cebuanos,” he said.

Davide is hopeful that the people would continue to support the SUKOD program as the province carries on in its campaign to stamp out the drug menace in Cebu.

He said “SUKOD” is one of the important initiatives of the province under the auspices of the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office headed by former Provincial Board member Ivy Durano-Meca.

The program, which started last year, commends police officers as well as LGUs and police stations for making valuable efforts to stop the proliferation of the illegal drug trade.

Those who are recognized for their outstanding work receive plaques and cash incentives from the provincial government.

Through the program, Davide said, the province was able to call on LGUs to actively participate in the anti-drug movement.

Moreover, the governor believed that providing long-term solutions to the problems of poverty, lack of job opportunities and education, would help end the proliferation of illegal drugs.

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, for her part, said that while the police intensified the program, the province came up with a scholarship plan to help the children of drug surrenderers.

“Everybody in the province is helping so that eventually we will win this war with the president. Let us come on board in this fight against illegal drugs and make Cebu really drug-free,” said Magpale.

Despite the successes of police operations, Meca said that much is yet to be done.

Based on CPADAO’s assessment only 53 percent of the LGUs got the average passing mark with a maximum score of 30,600 points.

The criteria for evaluation include presence and activities of anti-drug abuse councils, community-based drug prevention programs, LGU policies and legislative measures, participation of schools and performance of local police stations. (Kelvin Canizares/photos by Chad Bacolod)

cebu.gov.ph