BONTOC, Mountain Province – In line with its aggressive anti-illegal drug campaign, the municipal government, through the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC), has allocated funds for the livelihood projects of Persons with Substance Drug Abuse Disorder /Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) ready for implementation this year.
This was presented by Social Welfare Officer Stephanie Kanongkong of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) during the joint MADAC and Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meeting at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
According to Kanongkong, among the approved livelihood projects proposed by the beneficiaries in 2022 are hog raising, livestock, and procurement of welding machines/ equipment. These were funded by the municipal government under its anti-illegal drug programs.
She added that the beneficiaries have completed their Community-Based Rehabilitation Program and are continuously being monitored by the MADAC.
Aside from this, the MAC agreed to allocate the P100,000 cash prize it will receive from the national government for the livelihood projects to be proposed by the PWUDs in the municipality. The cash prize was won for being one of the 2022 National Anti-drug Abuse Council Performance awardees.
On the part of the municipal government, the MADAC shall assist the beneficiaries in the preparation of their livelihood project proposals and documentary requirements. Likewise, the MADAC shall conduct monitoring to ensure sustainability of the livelihood projects.
Mayor and MADAC Chairperson Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., remarked that the anti-illegal drug programs are necessary in helping the drug surrenderers go back on the right track.
“We hope that this assistance will assist our drug surrenderers in their way to achieving a new life. We also hope that they will be able to sustain their livelihood. The MADAC will continue to assist them in this endeavor”, Tudlong added.
Meanwhile, PMAJ Pedro Tactay, the Chief of Police of the Municipal Police Station and co-chair of the MADAC thanked the members and other partner stakeholders for helping the police force in the successful implementation of the anti-illegal drug campaign in the capital town when he presided over the meeting.
