For several years, drug has been a major problem which threatens the peace and order situation in the country. In view of this and with the serious dedication of the Municipal Government of Calatagan in eradicating drugs in the municipality, the Sangguniang Bayan of Calatagan, through the commitment of the Committee on Public Order and Safety, chaired by Hon. Jose Z. Coz, Jr., organized a dialogue and forum regarding the strengthening of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council. This was successfully held at Brgy. Balitoc Covered Court on August 22, 2016, 9:00 o’clock in the morning.

The Barangay Chairmen, Barangay Kagawads (Chairmen of Committee on Peace and Order and Committee on Family and Women) and Chief Tanods of the twenty five barangays of this municipality attended and participated in the said meeting. Hon. Efren U. Diño, Barangay Chairman of Brgy. Balitoc, welcomed the more than one hundred participants, guests and resource persons. The newly appointed Municipal Local Government Operations Officer, Mr. Leonard Villena delivered his short opening message and strong support in the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

Having the same desire in eliminating drugs throughout the town, the Local Chief Executive, Hon. Peter Oliver M. Palacio, who is also the Chairman of the Municipal Peace and Order Council, expressed his stand in fighting illegal drugs. He also emphasized that he is more than enough willing to support and provide Calatagueños with a drug free municipality. Hon. Teodulo Jose O. Caisip and Hon. Anthony R. Sayo, both members of the Sangguniang Bayan, stated that they are one with the President Rodrigo Duterte’s policy in combating illegal drug trade and use. The former municipal councilor, now OSCA Head, Mr. Nestor Sangueza also expressed support in the implementation of anti-drug campaign. PCI Joey Jonathan Bagayao reported the accomplishments of the Calatagan Police Station in the anti-drug program of the Philippine National Police. He also asked the coordination of the Barangay Officials in initiating the nationwide drug war campaign.

For the information and implementation of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) in all barangays, Hon. Jose Z. Coz, Jr. explicated the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2015-63. The composition, powers, functions, roles and responsibilities of barangay officials were clearly explained. Sanctions for not complying were also defined. On the other hand, Hon. Atty. Noel A. Delas Alas discussed the Administrative Board, as mandated by R.A. 9165, its composition, powers and functions.

After the informative talk made by Hon. Coz and Hon. Delas Alas, the Municipal Councilor and Chairman of the Committee on Women and Family Welfare, Hon. Theresa Palacio-Pelea and Dr. Robert John Turno, Municipal Health Officer, enumerated the effects of drugs to the user, family and community that may help the Barangay Officials in promoting anti-drug projects. Mrs. Beatriz Dastas, Head of the MSWDO, also added some tips and programs of the government for livelihood and wellness of the people. Barangay Officials raised their questions which were answered by the resource persons.

The dialogue and forum regarding the strengthening of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council is a proof that the Municipal Government of Calatagan is one with Calatagueños in making Calatagan as a drug free municipality.