MANILA – Two more barangays in the city of Taguig have been declared drug-cleared, the city government said Tuesday.
This brought the total number of the city’s drug-cleared barangays to 19 out of its 38 villages.
In a news release, the Taguig Anti-Drug Abuse Office (TADAO) said Barangays Napindan and North Daang Hari were added to the city’s roster of drug-cleared barangays following the 2nd Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) deliberation held on Aug. 6 at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig Auditorium.
The drug-cleared barangay status is given to those barangays previously considered drug-affected due to the presence of drug personalities, illegal drug users, drug pushers, and drug dens.
These areas have successfully addressed drug issues through verified efforts and campaigns, it added.
TADAO, meanwhile, said it continues to ensure that officials, personnel, and residents in the city would benefit from key initiatives such as preventive education, promoting drug-free workplaces, treatment and rehabilitation, and barangay drug clearing programs.
Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, a total of 28,899 out of 42,000 barangays (villages) in the country have been declared “drug-cleared” from July 2022 to June 30 this year while 6,617 are still being cleared by authorities.
Fire volunteers urged to become ‘BIDA’ ambassadors
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the 300,000 local fire volunteers in the country to become ambassadors of the government’s anti-drug flagship program “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” (BIDA), which aims to reduce drug demand by promoting health and encouraging drug rehabilitation.
The DILG chief made the call during the BIDA Ka! Fire Square Roadshow in Mandaluyong City on Aug. 10, the agency said in a news release Tuesday.
“The BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) has a wide network of volunteer firefighters, we will set up BIDA volunteer firefighters in every village in the country. You will not only fight fire but also be our partners in the fight against illegal drugs,” Abalios said.
Abalos also thanked the firefighters for their bravery in saving lives and property.
The BIDA Ka! Fire Square Roadshow showcased a culture of community safety, security, and health.
Booths displayed emergency and rescue equipment and offered attendees a chance to try out activities like rappelling and use of fire extinguishers. (PNA)