Recognizing that the fight against illegal drugs must begin at the grassroots, Mayor Khymer Olaso Tuesday, August 19, met with the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-IX) to strengthen anti-drug programs at the barangay level.

The gathering, dubbed, ‘Anti-Illegal Drugs Programs and Initiatives Meeting,” was held Tuesday, August 19 at ZCPO conference room where Mayor Olaso, together with ZCPO City Director PCol. Fidel Fortaleza Jr. and PDEA-9 City Director Marvin Santos, underscored the importance of curbing the proliferation of shabu and other illegal substances in Zamboanga City by empowering barangays as the first line of defense against drugs.

The meeting which formed part of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) initiative, highlighted Olaso’s commitment to implement effective and sustainable measures to eliminate the drug menace in the city.

Meanwhile, City Legal Officer Atty. Evangelina Doctolero stressed that in order to make the initiative truly attainable, there must be a strong information and education campaign targetting the youth and actively involving families at the household level.

Atty. Doctolero added that this effort will be carried out in coordination with the City Gender and Development Office Division (GAD) to ensure family participation and community support. Doctolero also noted that both BADAC and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) play vital roles in implementing programs anchored on existing policies and ordinances.

Mayor Olaso reaffirmed the city government’s unified stand with ZCPO and PDEA-IX to intensify operations, strengthen coordination and enhance community participation to protect Zamboangueños from the threats of illegal drugs.

Also present during the focused meeting were City Human Resource and Management Officer Marinyd Tingcang, Community Affairs Officer II Paolo Natividad and other key ZCPO personnel. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)