Camarines Sur joining the fray vs illegal drugs

By Keren Anne Bernadas

DIFFERENT national government agencies, local government units, academic institutions and other civil society organizations in the province of Camarines Sur join the provincial launching of the government’s anti-drug campaign dubbed “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” program on Friday, August 11.

Through the stewardship of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cam Sur headed by Provincial Director Julius Rodel L. Cal-Ortiz, the said event gathered together various uniformed personnel, government officials and individuals from key stakeholders to join the early morning Zumba, funbike and motorcade from Plaza Quezon here going to the Cam Sur Watersports Complex in Pili where the program proper and pledge signing took place.

PD Cal-ortiz expressed his gratefulness to everyone as the said program received full support from the participating groups. He said that under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this BIDA campaign aims to put an end to the existing problems caused by illegal drugs through effective multi-sectorial intervention and education. This, he said, will raise awareness on the negative effects of illegal drugs use.

DIFFERENT national government agencies, local government units, academic institutions and other civil society organizations in the province of Camarines Sur join the provincial launching of the government’s anti-drug campaign dubbed “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” program on Friday, August 11.

In a post, Cam Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte, said the provincial government is “one with the national government agencies in its steadfast efforts to achieve a better community and country by ensuring the public’s safety, security, and overall well-being.”

Naga City Police Office Chief Nelson Pacalso in his message, said that some of the senseless crimes that claimed innocent lives were highly-influenced by the use of illegal drugs has to stop.

Cam Sur Provincial Fire Marshall Emmanuel Ricafort said that anti-drug initiatives have been incorporated to some of the activities of the Bureau of Fire Protection during the celebration of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Month last July. This included the BIDA Ka Fire Square Road Show where invited students were taught how to avoid illegal drugs.

Furthermore, Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office Provincial Director PCol Julius Caesar Domingo said that they will continue to boost and strengthen its Anti-Illegal Drugs Operations through the Reinforcement and Education or ADORE program, the final phase of the Oplan Double Barrel anti-drug strategy, and will focus more on human rights, human rehabilitation and socio-economic developments.

All chiefs of police in the province were present during the duration of the activity to show its utmost support. Further, Domingo hoped that as the former and present administrations continue to strategically exert its effort to fight against illegal drugs. He also enjoined the grassroots community to actively support this purpose.

Other groups that participated in the launch include the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bicol State College of Arts, Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), City College of Naga, Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges, Inc. (MPC), Naga College Foundation (NCF), University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI), Atlantic Bakery and Gardenia Bakeries.

Naga City Councilors Melvin Ramon G. Buenafe and Antonio B. Beltran likewise delivered their messages of support, in behalf of City Mayor Nelson Legacion. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)