by Ahikam Pasion
TAYUG, Pangasinan—All 21 barangays of Tayug have retained their drug-cleared status following continued compliance with national anti-illegal drug standards, authorities said.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 1 formally turned over the Resolution for Retention of Drug-Cleared Status to local officials, recognizing the barangays’ sustained adherence to the parameters of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program.
The turnover coincided with a courtesy call led by Regional Director Julius M. Paredes and Pangasinan Provincial Officer Dexter B. Asayco to Mayor Tyrone D. Agabas.
Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening the municipality’s anti-drug initiatives, particularly demand reduction efforts through preventive education, advocacy campaigns, and community-based rehabilitation programs in coordination with the local government unit.
Local officials also expressed continued support for PDEA operations by providing resources intended to enhance the agency’s operational and administrative capabilities.
During the visit, PDEA representatives also presented a proposal seeking support for the agency’s planned transition from an armed civilian service to a uniformed service, a move aimed at improving institutional capacity and operational efficiency.
Authorities said the engagement reinforced cooperation between national and local agencies in sustaining anti-illegal drug efforts in the municipality.