Kalinga - Apayao drug free

AUTHORITIES declared Kalinga and Apayao drug free following validation by the dangerous drugs board.

In Apayao, the declaration was made by Police Regional Office - Cordillera regional director Chief Superintendent Francis Sarona during the 22nd founding anniversary of the province in Kabugao town.

Sarona said originally, the province had 102 barangays of the 135 were already cleared from illegal drug use while the more than 1,177 drug users and pushers submitted to authorities in the province.

"The problem on illegal drugs was far from what we actually and initially thought it to be. Yes, we knew we had problems on illegal drugs but little did we know that it had been pervasive and caused the moral decay of all sectors of our society," said Sarona who was the guest of honor and speaker during the provincial

celebration.

The regional police director added with the support, cooperation, and commitment of all stakeholders, exemplifying the whole nation approach, Apayao's declaration is a celebration and victory against illegal drugs.

"You as people of Apayao now stand proud before your forefathers knowing that you have not failed them and you as a people in this generation have preserved their expectations, ideals, and aspirations of an advanced and morally upright province," added Sarona.

Sarona said the province was declared free following the non availability of drug supply, absence of drug laboratory, clandestine drug warehouse; marijuana cultivation site; drug den, pusher, user, protector and financer.

"Apayao has an active SK members who help maintain the drug free status of all barangays, existence of drug awareness, preventive education and information and other related programs and the voluntary and compulsory drug treatment ad rehabilitation processing desk," added Sarona.

The region top cop urged officials and residents not to rest on their laurels with only half the battle won as sustaining a drug free province remains a challenge.

Sarona also urged officials not to lose the momentum and allow the significant change put to naught.

Ifugao and Mountain Province were also declared drug free provinces in the Cordillera region earlier while Baguio City and Benguet has yet to be cleared. Roderick Osis