TABUK CITY, Kalinga – At least 170 Grade 4 to 8 learners from Lacnog Integrated School (LIS) came together for the symposium on ‘Barkada Kontra Droga’ of the Kalinga Police Provincial Office (KPPO) last February 18.
The symposium was initiated to educate the young participants on topics like drug education, bomb awareness and psychosocial and mental health program.
Prior to his message, the Lacnog barangay chairperson warned the audience not to partake in any drug-related activities because it would negatively impact their growth and development.
He reminded the children to report any harmful conduct, such as being used as a drug courier, to the barangay officials, any BADAC member, or their parents.
PMAJ Dominick Rosario in his message said ” Police is the community, and the community is police” in reference to the effort of both police authorities and BADAC members to fight all forms of illegal drug activities in the barangays.
Also invited in the occasion was PSMS Alvius Cordero of the Tabuk City Police Station (TCPS) who mentioned the special program of the Estra֮nero administration on drug control and eradication where the team from TCPS, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Kalinga, City Barangay Affairs and Community Relations Office (CBACRO) and faith-based organizations go to barangays to give lecture on drug symposium and empowerment sessions for various sectors in the community.
In a separate interview with LIS School Head Shirley Ganotice, she expressed her sadness over the fact that drug traffickers attract adolescents and young learners to join in illegal activities with the promise of money, describing the situation as disturbing. She urged parents to watch over their children so that they do not become victims of similar crimes.
With the current scenario in Barangay Lacnog about illegal drug usage and trade, Ganotice stated that the symposium will provide both teachers and students with the necessary knowledge on what to do if the unthinkable occurs.
The lecturers for the one-day symposium were PSSG Johann Baddongon on effects of illegal drugs, PCL Rene Joy Penavered on rape, PCMS Laothon Palangdao on vaccination for 5-11 years old, PMSG C-Jay Cagaid on bomb threat awareness and Shirley Sarmiento on psychosocial and mental health.
City Mayor Darwin Estrañero is aware of the problem of illicit drug activity in the city, and he, too, does not want such behavior to harm lives, particularly those of children who will be the country’s future leaders. He pleaded for the public’s full cooperation in reporting drug activities to police.