BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera (DILG – CAR) recognized the best performing local government units in the region in terms of anti – illegal drug programs.

DILG Bureau of Local Government Supervision Director Debie Torres, representing DILG    Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Philippine National Police Northern Luzon Area Deputy Commander MGen. Oliver Enmodias assisted by DILG – CAR Regional Director Araceli San Jose and other regional partners led the awarding of plaque of recognition to the LGU awardees during the BIDA Caravan and Awarding Ceremony of Best Performing Anti – drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) at Newtown Plaza Hotel on February 8.

 The Best Performing ADAC national awardees are    La Paz, Abra; Kibungan Benguet; Asipulo Hingyon and Tinoc in Ifugao; Pasil and Tanudan in Kalinga; and Barlig, Bauko, Bontoc and Sadanga in Mountain Province.

The   Regional ADAC awardees are Bucay, Danglas, Lacub, Peñarrubia, San Juan, Tayum, Tineg, Tubo and Villaviciosa in Abra; Calanasan, Conner, Luna and Pudtol in Apayao; Atok, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Mankayan, Sablan and Tuba; Baguio City; Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Banaue, Kiangan, Lamut and Mayoyao; Balbalan, Lubuagan, Rizal and Tinglayan in Kalinga; and Besao, Natonin, Paracelis, Sabangan, Sagada and Tadian in Mountain Province.

For high functional ADACs, awardees are Dolores, Pilar and San Quintin in Abra; Bakun in Benguet; and Pinukpuk and Tabuk City in Kalinga

Also given recognition are LGUs with 100 percent Barangay Anti – Drug Abuse Councils, passers of the Child Friendly Local Government Audit, Digital Governance Award and best implementers of Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP).

In his keynote message delivered by Torres, Abalos congratulated all the awardees for ensuring highly functional Anti - Drug Abuse Council and for their committed support to the BIDA program and also called for a continuing partnership in pushing for a drug – free Philippines.

In this momentous joyous moment, we are reminded that everyone contributes to the success of our anti – illegal drugs campaign. Kung wala ang ating mga magagaling na anti – drug abuse councils, hindi natin kayang proteksyunan ang ating mga lokal na komyunidad at panatilihin ang kaayusan,” Abalos said.

 Enmodias also   affirmed the continuing commitment of the PNP to serve and protect and help   every community in keeping our children’s future safe from illegal drugs.

In his inspiration message, Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values National Director Nathaniel Saquiban affirmed the effectiveness of the DILG – led BIDA campaign and assured their continuing support for a whole – of society approach in dealing with the country’s problem on illegal drugs.

The DILG-CAR enjoins all stakeholders for a continuing partnership for the BIDA or “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” campaign of the DILG. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)