TARLAC CITY — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region III reported during the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) Summit that Tarlac has maintained its drug-cleared and drug-free status across its barangays.
PDEA Region III Supervising Administrative Officer Christian De Honor reported that Tarlac’s barangays are no longer among the 289 drug-affected barangays in Central Luzon.
”Out of 511 barangays, 482 have been declared drug-cleared, and 29 are officially drug-free,” he said.
De Honor explained that a drug-cleared barangay was declared when a previously drug-affected community had undergone drug-clearing operations and had met all parameters set by the Dangerous Drugs Board, including the non-availability of drug supply, the absence of drug transit activities, inclusion of drug awareness campaign and community-based rehabilitation programs.
Meanwhile, he noted that a drug-free barangay referred to an unaffected area that had never recorded illegal drug activities and was validated and confirmed by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing.
De Honor emphasized that this milestone is not only the result of efforts by the Philippine National Police and PDEA but also of the collaboration of all stakeholders, including local officials and community members.
”This demonstrates strong compliance and effectiveness in implementing the barangay drug-clearing program here in Tarlac,” he said.
PDEA Region III Assistant Regional Director Maria Lourdes Jacosalem also praised provincial leaders for their dedication to drug advocacy, treatment, and rehabilitation programs.
She stressed that every member of the community plays an important role in prevention, education, rehabilitation, and enforcement.
To further strengthen the knowledge and capabilities of PADAC members and local government units in combating illegal drugs, the summit discussed strategies for establishing drug-free workplaces, the Department of Health accreditation process for the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program, and community mobilization and engagement.
Looking ahead, PADAC has set its sights on clearing all municipalities and the city of Tarlac, aiming to make the province the third in Central Luzon to achieve full drug-cleared status.
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