Dela Rosa urges youth to stay away from drugs

National Police (PNP) chief General Ronald dela Rosa encouraged the youths to focus on their goals and never get involved in illegal drugs as this will only destroy their being.

Dela Rosa issued such guidance towards the students and participants during the Kabataan Kontra Dogra Symposium held at Teodoro Palma Gil Elementary School, Davao City on Wednesday afternoon.

With the theme: “Kaeskwela, Kabarkada, Kapamilya, Kasama Natin sa Laban Kontra Droga,” the symposium aims to raise awareness of the stu-

dents on the ill-effects of drugs and how to circumvent it.

Dela Rosa praised the efforts of the Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) of the school for holding such event as this is a big step towards the country’s combat against illegal drugs, which is everyone’s concern.

“Ang lahat ng pakikibaka ng kapulisan laban sa Droga ay para sa magandang kinabukasan ninyo. And we can only be successful with your help and cooperation. Sa mga kabataan, do not ever try drugs even just for fun,” Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa clarified to the students that they need not to bear arms to fight the threat brought about by illegal drugs. He said students at their level could give significant share on the campaign of the country by focusing on their studies.

“Malaking bagay na iyan para sa bansa. Fight against illegal drugs is not solely the responsibility of the PNP members and/or other government agencies. It is everybody’s responsibility on their respective own ways,” dela Rosa added.

The PNP, dela Rosa said, continues to harness the support and cooperation of the concerned institutions in combat against drugs. He added that Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (Badacs) is among the groups of great help to PNP.

Department of Education (Deped) 11 district superintendent Ma. Ines Asuncion, meanwhile, said the agency is very supportive on government’s campaign. She added that they believe education is among the solution of the problem.

Around 700 students/participants to include pupils from the Teodoro Palma Gil Elementary School, SPG officers from other Central District Schools, teachers and non-teaching personnel, Deped officials and parents joined the event.