Iloilo hits 99.94% drug-cleared status in 2025

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo provincial government capped the year with a major milestone in its anti-illegal drugs campaign, recording a 99.94% drug-cleared status among barangays, based on the latest assessment presented during the fourth-quarter meeting of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) on Dec. 19.

Of the province’s 1,721 barangays, only one remains affected by illegal drugs, according to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Iloilo Provincial Officer Nicolas Gomez.

He reported the figures at the PADAC meeting held at Sotogrande Hotel, noting that the gains resulted from sustained coordination among the provincial government, law enforcement agencies, local governments, and barangay anti-drug councils across the province’s 43 local government units.

Provincial officials attributed the progress to consistent enforcement, community-based interventions, and strengthened local anti-drug structures.

The provincial government emphasized that the near-total clearance reflects years of collaboration among PADAC, municipal and city anti-drug abuse councils, and partner agencies working toward a drug-free Iloilo.

As part of the meeting, the province recognized outstanding local anti-drug councils through the Search for the Best Performing Municipal/City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC/CADAC), an incentive program institutionalized under Provincial Ordinance No. 2021-260 authored by Board Member June Mondejar, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Public Order and Security.

The program earlier earned recognition from the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region VI under the 2025 Excellence in Local Governance Awards, winning in the Excellence in Safety, Peace and Order category.

In Category A (component cities and first- to second-class municipalities), Passi City emerged as champion, followed by Sara as first runner-up and Santa Barbara as second runner-up.

For Category B (third- to sixth-class municipalities), Maasin topped the list, with Dingle placing second and Anilao third.

Provincial Administrator Raul Banias led the awarding of plaques and cash incentives during the ceremony, joined by Mondejar, DILG Iloilo Provincial Director Engr. Carmelo Orbista, Iloilo Police Provincial Office Director Col. Bayani Razalan, and Provincial Planning and Development Office Acting Head Jigger Labergue.

Winners received cash awards ranging from PHP 200,000 to PHP 500,000, depending on category and ranking.

Provincial officials said the incentives aim to sustain momentum at the local level and encourage innovation in anti-drug programs.

The provincial government thanked its partner agencies and communities for their role in achieving the milestone, reaffirming its commitment to maintain peace, safety, and public health as Iloilo works to fully clear all barangays of illegal drugs.