79 local governments in WV cited for outstanding anti-drug abuse councils’ feat

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Seventy-nine local government units (LGUs) were awarded for their “highly-functional” anti-drug abuse councils (ADACs).

Juan Jovian Ingeniero, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Region 6 director, said these ADACs obtained a rating of more than 90 points in the performance audit as far as implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of anti-illegal drug activities, is concerned.

For local governments that did not make it on the list, Ingeniero said it doesn’t mean that they are deemed not functioning.

“Moderate lang ’yung rating nila,” he said.

As early as 1998, the DILG encouraged LGUs to organize their respective ADACs, as these sectoral councils are responsible for the formulation of plans and the implementation of local anti-drug abuse programs, projects, and activities.

On the other hand, the ADAC Performance Audit is done to assess the functionality and effectiveness of local ADACs based on existing issuances and policies; to determine ADAC-initiated and/or endorsed innovations, and best practices at all levels; to create an evaluation and assessment platform; and to recognize effective and performing ADACs.

Initially, there were 104 local ADACs from Western Visayas that were rated as highly functional.

They were further assessed by the ADAC National Audit Team which is chaired by the DILG and composed of national representatives from the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Association of Anti-Drug Abuse Coalitions of the Philippines Incorporated as the CSO representative, using another Awarding Assessment Criteria.

Apart from garnering a high functionality rating in the performance audit with focus on organization of local ADAC, conduct of ADAC meetings, allocation of funds for anti-illegal drug activities, formulation and implementation of ADAC plans and programs, supervision and support to component ADACs, and innovations, the high-functional ADACs also underwent another awarding assessment.

This time around they were rated based on Barangay ADAC functionality, which is based on the percentage of total component barangays with highly functional rating (30 points); drug clearing, which is based on the percentage of barangays cleared of drugs (40 points); and Reduction of Drug Affectation, which is based on the reduction of drug affectation status as of the calendar year 2021 (30 points).

Based on the following criteria, the 79 LGUs were chosen as awardees.

Those that made it on the list are Balete, Batan, Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Malay, New Washington, and Tangalan in Aklan.

Awardees in Antique are the towns of Anini-y, Belison, Tobias Fornier, Libertad, Patnongon, San Jose, San Remigio, Sebaste, Sibalom, and Tibiao.

In Capiz, those with high functioning ADACs are Cuartero, Dumarao, Ivisan, Jamindan, Maayon, Panay, Pontevedra, Roxas City, Sapian, Sigma, and Tapaz.

Awardees in Guimaras are the LGUs of Guimaras province, Buenavista, Jordan, and Nueva Valencia.

In Iloilo, the awardees are Iloilo Province, Ajuy, Carles, Balasan, Dumangas, Banate, Janiuay, Batad, Cabatuan, Leganes, Lemery, Leon, Maasin, Mina, Oton, Pototan, San Dionisio, San Joaquin, San Miguel, San Rafael, Sara, Tigbauan, and Tubungan.

Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental awardees are

Negros Occidental Province, Bago City, Cadiz City, Cauayan, Escalante City, Himamaylan City,

Hinigaran, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Kabankalan City, Murcia, Pulupandan, Sagay City, San Carlos City, Silay City, Sipalay City, Victorias City, Don Salvador Benedicto, and Bacolod City

Meanwhile, the DILG-6 also awarded four drug-cleared municipalities.

The seal of excellence was awarded to Libacao, Aklan; Dao and Jamindan in Capiz; and Bingawan, Iloilo.