BONTOC, Mountain Province(PIA)--The Department of the Local and Interior Government  and the Philippine National Police underscored the important role of the youth in ending the proliferation of drugs  and in sustaining peace in the province.

In  a training  participated  by 87 members  of  Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) from the different municipalities,  DILG Provincial Director Evelyn B. Trinidad  discussed  the  Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan(BIDA) program,  a holistic campaign of the government to reduce drug demand.

She highlighted  that the fight against illegal drugs is not just the responsibility of the government but the community as well.

“The fight against illegal drugs is not the sole responsibility of the PNP, but an obligation of everyone. Not even PDEA, not even DILG, not even AFP, it is the obligation of every single soul of the community - our families, parents, our neighbours, our teachers, our local government units - responsibility nating lahat especially the youth.”  

Trinidad mentioned that  the “whole- of- Mountain Province approach in ending  the fight against illegal drugs” is gaining ground as she posed  a challenge to the KKDAT  to do their part.

“To the youth of today present here, refrain from using illegal drugs or caught up trading this. As you have been  taught, there is nothing good about it. As members of the KKDAT, we expect you to be the models of clean living,” Trinidad said.

PNP Provincial Director PCol Sibly P Dawiguey Jr  acknowledged  the KKDAT for their volunteerism and commitment especially in preventing other youth from being recruited by the CTGs and addicted to illegal drugs.

Personnel of  PDEA, Philippine Army, and MPPPO also tackled   drug awareness and prevention,  anti terrorism ,mental health awareness, and spiritual health.  

In a related development,  Dawiguey administered the oath of office  of the new set of  officers of KKDAT-Mountain Province  last  May 13, 2023 namely, President: Nicole Cashmire K. Pascual; Vice-President: Mhyfanwy M. Wanawan; Secretary: Hannah B. Gaw-ay; Treasurer: Arabela M. Baccay; Auditor: Clayton K. Sokao;  Business Managers: Jerry V. Bonbon and Jhonrey P. Guing-awan; Public Information Officers: Alvin T. Fakat, Brixton B. Batay-an, Rolando M Tablang Jr., Shaella Dale D. Tauli, Irish M. Bunagen and Ngazing del Rosario.  Also inducted were representatives from each municipality. (JDP/VJLT-PIA CAR,Mt. Province).