BONTOC, Mountain Province – This capital town is a recipient of three awards during the 2023 Regional Awarding of Best Performing Local Government Units (LGUs) cum Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Caravan, initiated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) held recently at the Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City.
First, Bontoc is one of the only four municipalities in Mountain Province that garnered a High Functionality rating in the 2022 National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Award. This recognition is given to LGUs that have continued to implement effective and sustainable anti-drug efforts as support to the national government. With this, Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., and Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Lourdes Claire Peel, alongside with DILG-Mountain Province Provincial Director Evelyn Trinidad and Mt. Provincial Director Sibly Dawiguey, Jr., of the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office received the check award of Bontoc amounting to P100,000 which shall be used to augment the fund allotted by the municipal government for anti-illegal drug programs.
Second, Bontoc was recognized for having 100% high-functional BADACs. This award was based on the result of the 2022 Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council Functionality Assessment.
Third, Bontoc has been recognized for its exemplary performance in the delivery of services for children, garnering an overall rating of 87.00 in the 2021 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit.
Mayor Tudlong credited the awards to the collaborative efforts of the partner national government agencies, religious sectors, other stakeholders, and the community.
In her message, DILG Regional Director Araceli San Jose highlighted the importance of acting together in the success of anti-illegal drug campaigns.
She expressed high hopes that the recognition of awardees will serve as an inspiration to other LGUs to intensify their campaigns against illegal drugs.
“In our desire to combat illegal drugs, our actions must always be guided by the highest moral principles with respect for human rights and dignity,” San Jose emphasized.
Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS) Director Debbie Torres representing DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., lauded the awardees and thanked them for their efforts in the fight against illegal drugs.
The awarding was led by San Jose with guests BLGS Director Torres, PNP Northern Luzon Area Deputy Commander PMGEN Oliver Enmodias, Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values National Director Nathaniel Saquiban, and other dignitaries.
