REGIONAL ICAD IX ADVOCACY CLUSTER CONVENES FOR CY 2023 1ST QUARTER MEETING

The Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) IX Advocacy Cluster chaired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX convened on its CY 2023 1st Quarter Meeting on March 1, 2023 at Hotel Guillermo, Pagadian City.

The meeting centered on the discussion and presentation of the member-agencies’ accomplishment for the 1st quarter of CY 2023, issues and concerns, and plan of activities for the following quarter.

LGMED Chief Jose Ruel D. Trobanos presided the meeting in the morning which was continued by Assistant Regional Director Engr. Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, CESO V, representing Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil, CESO III.

DILG Provincial Director Moh. Taha S. Arakama, DILG Zamboanga del Norte – Cluster Head Anabella A. Jatico, and DILG Zamboanga Sibugay ADAC Focal Person Blessed Christian C. Metillo were also in appearance and presented their respective accomplishments, issues and challenges, and recommendations relative anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Aside from the 1st quarter accomplishment report of DILG Regional Office IX, the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Program was also introduced and presented to the member agencies by PADS Regional Technical Person Esrahida B. Acas. BIDA is the new DILG’s medium to long term program in the national campaign against illegal drugs. The BIDA Plan of Activities for whole year of CY 2023 were laid out and encouraged the support and participation of the ICAD IX Advocacy Cluster Members agencies and other community stakeholders.

Member-agencies present during the meeting were PDEA, PNP, DOH, DICT, DepED, AFP, PCG, PAO, TESDA, and DOJ-PPA.

Also in attendance were LGOO II Ronie Jase C. Biosada, Statistician I Heljane Q. Garnica and PADS Support Staff Reeven Sheena L. Tan