The Baguio City Anti-drug Council (Cadac) with the Baguio Center for Young Adults Inc. (BCYA) recently met with 74 barangay captains of the city to strengthen and organize their barangay anti-drug councils in line with the fight against illegal drugs.

Different topics were discussed to encourage awareness on illegal drugs and the need to curb illegal activities especially among the youth.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Cordillera discussed the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002, which they implement in apprehending violators such as illegal possession, use, or sale of prohibited drugs.

Cadac Action Officer Vice mayor Daniel Fariñas also focused on the need for the punong barangays and their respective councils to know their responsibility and jurisdiction. He noted many of them do not know their responsibility during buy-bust operations in their area. Fariñas told them they are liable in case they do not cooperate in drug operations.

The collaboration of punong barangays and other concerned agencies such as the Baguio City Police Office was highlighted in having successful operations.

S/Insp. Dino Cogasi of BCPO’s Special Task Force talked about the magnitude of the drug menace in the city and presented the number and profile of barangays in the city where drug cases were monitored.

He said it is important for the barangay officials and its BADAC officers to work with the PDEA and BCPO by providing information on constituents whom they suspect to be involved in illegal drug trade.

The ill-effects on health were explained by the City Health Services Office.

The Association of Barangay Councils discussed the structure of the Cadac and its role in the anti-illegal drug campaign while the Department of Education explained the importance of collaborative partnership between the Badac and the school anti-drug abuse council. DepEd’s nurse-in-charge Agnes Totaan encouraged the active participation of students.

On its sixth year of partnering with BCYA Inc. on the Life Pride (Life Planning as a Resource Intervention for Drug Prevention and Education) project, the Cadac reached out to more than 20 public high schools and elementary schools and more than 2,000 students yearly.

BCYA Executive Director Marlene de Castro said the main objective of the Life Pride project is behavioral change among the youth. She also reiterated the importance of partnership and responsibility of the concerned agencies in achieving a drug-free Baguio.