NAAWAN, Misamis Oriental — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in northern Mindanao, through the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC), awarded the Balangay Seal of Excellence to the Municipality of Naawan, June 9.
Naawan is the first local government unit in Misamis Oriental to receive the award, after all 10 of its barangays were declared drug-cleared and maintained that status through the implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP).
A barangay or municipality is declared drug-cleared by the ROCBDC after passing a validation process. The status confirms the absence of drug pushers, users, dens, laboratories, and plantations, and ensures that rehabilitation and community programs are in place to maintain a drug-free environment. The ROCBDC is composed of the PDEA as chair, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as vice chair, and the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine National Police (PNP) as members.
Mayor Dennis Roa said the recognition reflects the local government’s adherence to the program.
“Dako kaayo nato ni nga tahas kanatong tanan sa LGU ug Barangay officials, well in fact naa tay innovation, tanan government employees and officials nga ma-assign diri sa Naawan, must undergo drug testing yearly,” said Roa.
(This is a big responsibility for all of us in the LGU and among barangay officials. In fact, we have an innovation— all government employees and officials assigned here in Naawan must undergo drug testing every year.)
Roa also urged barangay officials to continue monitoring efforts to maintain their drug-cleared status, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ‘s direction toward community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration programs to curb drug dependence among those affected.
PDEA Regional Director Benjamin Gaspi commended Naawan for its initiatives. “Lagi naming mensahe para sa publiko, sa mga barangay, sa mga local government units na paigtingin lalo ang kampanya laban sa iligal na droga, huwag silang titigil, lagi silang magmomonitor,” Gaspi said.
(Our constant message to the public, to the barangays, and to local government units is to further strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs, not to stop, and to continuously monitor.)
DILG Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga said the recognition may encourage other municipalities to improve their anti-drug efforts.
Ma. Dolores Mercado of the DOH Non-Communicable Diseases Cluster said that the health sector sees addiction not as a crime but as a disease. She added that addressing addiction requires collaboration across sectors and agencies.
PNP Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman expressed continued support to local governments seeking to protect communities from illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, Barangay Mat-i Chair Ike Suyo said the recognition is significant for Naawan’s barangays as this symbolizes that the municipality is safe from addicts. (SAYU/PIA-10)
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