Proving success in the city government’s effort to eradicate the presence of drugs and the existence of illegal drug activities in the city, five barangays in Tagum have been declared as drug-cleared by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) of Region XI last July 26, 2019.
The awards were given to the respective Barangay Captains of the drug-cleared barangays, namely Brgy. Captain Wellie Arcayna of Barangay Nueva Fuerza, Brgy. Captain Dionisio Suico of Barangay New Balamban, Brgy. Captain Teresita Agatep of Barangay Pagsabangan, Brgy. Captain Lourdes Collados of Barangay Pandapan, and Brgy. Captain Genelo Arsenio of Barangay San Agustin.
These five barangays have been recognized clear of illegal drugs after the members of the oversight committee composed of representatives from PDEA, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Department of Health, and the LGU have convened and validated the non-availability of drug supplies in the area and the absence of drug transit activities therein.
PDEA Regional Director Antonio Rivera challenged the barangay leaders to maintain the lofty status of being declared a “drug-free barangay” by instituting meaningful sustainable measures that are aligned with the government’s efforts against illegal drugs.
This latest feat of the city of Tagum trumpets the effectiveness of Mayor Allan L. Rellon’s agenda for Genuine Peace, Safety and Security under the flagship program of the City Government dubbed as EAGLE WINGS.
The local chief executive reiterated the local government’s vision to be a drug-free city on or before 2025, as part of the Tagumpay Vision 2025 that he presented during his third inaugural address.
For his part, Association of Barangay Captains President Bryan Kim Samuel L. Angoy bared that the remaining barangays that have yet to get the PDEA certification will double their efforts so that the remaining 14 barangays will be joining the ranks of those nine that were previously declared by PDEA as drug-free.
Barangays La Filipina, Magdum, Magugpo North and Busaon were previously cited for having passed the parameters set by the inter-agency committee. Drex Rafols/CIO