DILG hails 246 LGUs for outstanding anti-illegal drug campaign

A total of 246 local government units LGUs) were honored on Wednesday, Nov. 22, for their successful anti-illegal drugs campaign, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.

The DILG said the awardees were feted during the 2023 Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Awards held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Quezon City.

DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. stressed that the 246 awardees were chosen based on the ADAC functionality and sustainability of drug-free or drug-cleared status.

He added that the winning LGUs were chosen based on the percentage of completion rate of graduates versus enrollees at the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP).

“ADAC is a multi-sectoral council responsible for the formulation of plans, and the implementation of local anti-drug abuse programs, projects and activities in a particular locality,’’ the DILG explained.

“It is chaired by the local chief executives at the provincial, city and municipal levels,’’ it added.

In addition to the ADAC Performance Awards, the DILG stated that special recognitions were given to LGUs for their outstanding efforts in implementing effective drug rehabilitation programs and initiatives in their communities under the CBDRP.

The theme for the awarding ceremony is “Bayang Pinag-isa ng Diwa Laban sa Ilegal na Droga”, which is in line with the President’s call for the nation to unite against the menace of illegal drugs.

In 2018, the DILG and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) issued Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 which provided the indicators in determining functionality of the ADACs.

The DILG also issued Memorandum Circular 2021-062 stating the guidelines, indicators, and awarding criteria for the conduct of audit year 2022.