CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminded anew barangays in Central Luzon to activate or reactivate their respective Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC).
“The barangays, as the first line of defense, should lead the fight against illegal drugs through the campaign Mamamayan, Sugpuin ang Iligal na Droga or MASID,” DILG Regional Director Florida Dijan said.
The agency’s Memorandum Circular No.2015-63 stipulates that the BADAC shall be chaired by the Punong Barangay with the Kagawad who heads the Peace and Order Committee as Vice Chair.
Its members include the Sangguniang Kabataan Chair, Public School Principal, Chief Tanod and representatives from non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations or inter-faith groups. The Chief of Police acts as the Adviser.
“BADAC must plan, strategize, implement, and evaluate programs and projects on drug abuse prevention in their locality,” Dijan furthered.
They must also organize an auxiliary team composed of an ideal number of 25 members per 2,000 population of the barangay representing streets, puroks, subdivisions, or sitios.
The BADAC must equip the barangay tanods and auxiliary team on their roles and functions in the campaign against street-level illegal drug trade through seminars or trainings.
“More importantly, the council must continuously gather and update data on all drug related incidents and its effect on the peace and order situation in the barangay including listing of suspected drug users and pushers,” Dijan stressed.
These suspected drug users must be referred to the City or Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council and other institutions for counseling and/or rehabilitation.
Apart from this, the BADAC leads the conduct of Information, Education, and Communication campaign on illegal drug demand reduction and monitor disposition and progress of cases filed./CLJD-PIA 3