79 LGUs cited in 2022 Regional ADAC Awards

ILOILO City – A total of 79 local government units ( LGUs) in Western Visayas were recognized during the 2022 Regional AntiDrug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Awards and Regional Launching of the Buhay I ngatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program on Jan. 31.

The r e c o g n i t i o n i s conferred on LGUs that have proven to be highly functional i n t he anti- i l l egal drug campaign last year.

From Aklan province, 10 LGUs were awarded; 10 from Antique; 11 from Capiz; four from Guimaras, including its provincial government; 23 from Iloilo, including its provincial government; and 21 from Negros Occidental, i ncluding i t s provincial government.

Moreover, four LGUs in the region earned the “Balangay Seal of Excellence” after being declared drug-cleared municipalities. These were Libacao from Aklan; Dao and Jamindan from Capiz; and

Bingawan from Iloilo.

The Balangay Seal of Excellence is the highest recognition conferred by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ( PDEA) t o t he implementers of drug-clearing programs in their respective barangays.

The ADAC Performance Award is given based on the results of the assessment of the functionality and effectiveness of local ADACs on existing issuances and policies, their initiated or endorsed innovations, and best practices at all levels.

F u r t h e r, t h e ADAC i s e l i g i b l e f or awards i f i t garners an overall performance score in the functionality audit of at least 85 points.

On the other hand, the BIDA Program was also launched in the region, which i s an advocacy program aiming to raise awareness and encourage participation f rom all sectors of t he community in drug demand reduction. (