LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. called on all line agencies and stakeholders of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) for their full cooperation to achieve a drug-free Pangasinan.
The governor made the call during the council’s coordinating conference held at the Urduja House recently.
Gov. Espino, a co-author of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2000, said the fight against drugs requires sincerity and practicality as he told council members and all stakeholders to exercise utmost cooperation in strengthening the province’s campaign against illegal drugs.
“Magtulong-tulong tayo,” the governor asked the members of the anti-drugs council.
While calling for unity in addressing the problem, he noted that the elements who will be playing the major role in this drive is the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) with the support of the Philippine National Police and other peace and order agencies.
The provincial chief executive, however, urged the stakeholders and the community to involve themselves by providing information that will boost the council’s goals in fighting off the drug menace.
Uttering a stern declaration, the governor said “I don’t want drugs in this province” adding that the drug problem is his concern because he has his family here and he intends to stay here when he retires.
As this developed, Vice-Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr. reported that the governor has already recorded a 100 percent compliance in his responsibility as PADAC chair and head of the province in the creation of ADACs in the province.
VG Calimlim noted that with only partial compliance in 2007, to date, ADACs have been organized and reactivated in all 48 towns and cities of Pangasinan.
The vice-governor further disclosed that these councils already have their anti-illegal drug campaign plan as and have issued the executive orders in relation to the anti-drug campaign.
He said that of the 1,364 barangays of Pangasinan including Dagupan City, 1,322 already have a 97 percent compliance with the remaining 42 barangays or three percent in its development stage.
He further said that a 100 percent compliance of BADACs in the province will be expected before the month ends.
The vice governor told the PADAC members that the province has fulfilled its basic mandate with Gov. Espino and his son, Board Member Amado I. Espino, III using a hands-on approach to the war on illegal drugs.
To intensify the people’s involvement, Gov. Espino distributed calling cards to the people containing PADACs hotlines and a simplified confidential reporting system, which has resulted in several arrests and rescues.
By Dexter A. See
