PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The provincial government of Palawan has stepped up its anti-illegal drugs information and education campaign in three schools in the northern town of Roxas.
Provincial Information Officer Gil Acosta Jr., also the officer-in-charge of the campaign, said Friday it is an initiative under the office of Governor Jose Alvarez and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Program (PADAP), in close cooperation with the Department of Education.
He said it is the Palawan government’s response to the nationwide anti-illegal drugs campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte, particularly focusing on preventing students to be involved in drug use and abuse.
“Ito ay may layunin na makapagbigay ng kaalaman sa mga kabataan kaugnay ng masamang epekto ng paggamit ng bawal na gamot (The aim is to provide information to young people about drugs and its ill effects),” Acosta said.
He added that Governor Alvarez believes that through the provision of information, the youth can learn the bad effects of illegal drugs and later become partners to prevent its spread in the province.
The information drive, which was attended by hundreds of grades 7-12 students, was held on July 9-10 at the Magara School for Philippine Craftsmen, Roxas National Comprehensive High School and Abaroan National High School – all in Roxas.
He said among the topics that were discussed was the classification of illegal drugs and its negative effects.
Acosta added that more information drive in schools in the province will be conducted in the following months to ensure that students stay away from illegal drugs.
According to the 2nd Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) Summit held last month, four municipalities in Palawan had been declared drug-cleared so far – Cagayancillo, Dumaran, Araceli, and Magsaysay.
Out of 367 barangays in the province, 79 had also been declared drug-cleared by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). ( Celeste Anna Formoso/PNA)
