"Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 124, dated November 26, 2001, the third week of November has been declared as Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week, to promote public awareness against the adverse effects of illegal drug use, as well as encourage public cooperation in the anti-drug campaign."

 

In 2018, the DILG issued Memorandum Circular No. 2018-202, dated November 15, 2018, with the subject "Observance of Drug Abuse Prevention and Control (DAPC) Week" anchored to the theme "Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crises."

 

In behalf of Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil, CESO III, Assistant Regional Director Engr. Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, CESO V delivered the opening remarks emphasizing that the government has been relentless in its efforts to fight the war against illegal drugs.

 

Programs and projects had been implemented to the fullest of efforts to stop these illegal drugs. We heard discussions and programs of the Inter- Agency Task Force promoting drug prevention in various government and non-government agencies, especially to the youth.

 

The activity is one of a series of activities in celebration of the DAPC Week. In attendance during the activity are the different National Government Agencies (NGAs) in Zamboanga Peninsula, namely, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) PRO IX, Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) IX, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) IX, Department of Health (DOH) IX, Department of Education (DepEd) IX, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) IX, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) IX, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) IX, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO). Also present during the ceremony are representatives from the academe - student leaders from JH Cerilles State College (JHCSC) and Saint Columban College (SCC) - and DILG Regional, Provincial and Field Officers.