The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has acknowledged the Bureau of Fire Protection-Ifugao Provincial Office (BFP-IPO) of the Lagawe Fire Station for its attainment in maintaining a drug-free workplace from February to June 2025.
They were granted with a plaque on February 24, 2025 at the office of the Provincial Fire Marshal, Provincial Livelihood Center, Lamut, Ifugao.
The plaque certifies the BFP-IPO as a drug-free workplace pursuant to the Dangerous Drugs Board, Regulation No. 13, Series of 2018 institutionalizing a drug-free workplace including the drug testing for public officers.
The accomplishment emphasizes the province’s commitment to public service integrity to anti-drug campaigns that involve government agencies and the community.
According to the press release released by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Derrick Arnold C. Carreon, the Regional Director of PDEA CAR, praised the unit of BFP-Ifugao with their “dedication and proclaimed them as the 1st Provincial Office to receive this certification in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)”.
Meanwhile, according to FO1 Kristelle Mariano of BFP Lagawe, drug tests are mandatory and must be conducted twice a year on every personnel to ensure continuous monitoring.
Ifugao is constantly implementing strict monitoring and prevention measures to continue this drug free status.
BFP’s efforts for a drug-free community
On the other hand, the BFP conducts brief lectures at barangay assemblies on the impact of illegal drugs, accompanied by the distribution of Information, Education, Communication (IEC) materials and posting of drug free advocacy posters throughout Ifugao.
Accordingly, drug-free workplaces serve as good models for ordinary citizens to not engage in any illegal drugs related activities.
These efforts aimed to raise awareness and empower residents to actively participate in maintaining a safe environment. The impact of these initiatives includes giving the community a sense of security.
A significant factor in the province’s accomplishment is the joint effort of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). This collaboration guarantees ongoing monitoring and enforcement of drug free policies, strengthening the security of the whole community.// Sheryl Enggoy, BSU DevCom Intern
