10,000 set to join walk vs illegal drugs on Sept. 15

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – The Community Anti-Drug Coalition of Bacolod (CADCOB) will spearhead the “Lakad Iwas Droga,” a walk-for-a-cause against prohibited drugs on Sept. 15, 2019 in partnership with the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC).

A press statement from city government cited CADCOB coordinator Richard Nessia as saying that more than 10,000 participants from barangays and schools.

The biggest delegation will win P10,000 cash incentive, Nessia said.

CADCOB chairman Rey Jereos Sr. said there will be two starting points for the walk, now on its fourth year. One group will start at 6 a.m. at Lupit Church and the other, at 6:30 a.m. on the South Capitol Road.

The two groups will converge at the Bacolod Public Plaza where a program will be held.

Undersecretary Earl Saavedra, executive director of the Dangerous Drugs Board, will be the guest speaker.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, and Rep. Greg Gasataya will also grace the program.

Leonardia and Gasataya will give inspirational messages, while Familiaran will deliver the closing remarks.

The event aims to raise awareness on the harmful effects of illegal drugs and encourage Bacolodnons to be advocates of drug abuse prevention, Nessia said.

The funds that will be raised from the event will be used for the enhancement of community initiatives against drugs like technical assistance, trainings, public policy education programs, and special events.

Prior to the “Walk for A Cause,” a story-telling competition for students and barangays was held at the MassKara Hall of the Bacolod City Government Center on Sept. 12.