EdSa bares alternative programs versus drugs
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Upping the campaign to fight illegal drugs, Mayor Edwin Santiago yesterday said he is optimistic that the city government’s alternative programs will help Fernandino youth veer away from drug use and abuse.
The mayor recently reactivated and boosted the city’s barangay anti-drug abuse councils in an effort to curb and ultimately put a stop to the proliferation of illegal drugs, particularly methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.
“We have launched and opened several programs for our Fernandino youth, for students and those not studying currently to take away their atten- tion on drugs. Many times when they are idle, the tendency is to go into drugs and even to the extent of dealing in the illegal drugs trade,” he said.
The programs, he furthered, include sports development, skills trainings, livelihood projects and entrepreneurship, alternative learning systems and scholarship grants in the secondary and tertiary levels.
“Of course, the best is we give them quality education. We have the City College for that and the other departments of the city government which focus on their needs, including education about drug abuse for their parents. I am very optimistic that giving them opportunities and a decentlifewill dissuade children andyoungadults from using drugs. As we say, Fernandino First,” stressed Santiago.
Santiago also expressed joy over recent developments, where police, with the support of local groups like homeowners associations, have been making headway in the war versus drugs.
“We are very happy about reports that every day, at least one pusher is arrested and a user saved. This well augur well with our plans to put up the city’s very own drug rehabilitation center which will complement that of the provincial government’s planned rehab center. Ang importante dito, sama-sama tayo sa pagsugpo sa salot na dulot ng droga,” concluded Santiago.
—JTD