by Lou Ellen L. Antonio and Charlene E. Collantes
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA)–Seventy-seven barangays in the province were declared drug-cleared and received a P10,000 cash incentive each during the 11th Provincial Barangay Congress, March 14.
The drug-cleared barangays are from the towns of Bacolod, Balo-i, Baroy, Kapatagan, Kauswagan, Kolambugan, Lala, Munai, Poona Piagapo, Salvador, Sapad, and Tubod.
“Gikalipay nakog dako nga narecognized sa provincial government kini among paningkamot, makita ba nga naningkamot pud mi sa pagserbisyo para sa kaayuhan sa barangay,” said Ambrosio Cabugnason Jr., chairperson of Barangay Licapao in Tubod.
(I am very happy that the provincial government has recognized our efforts. It shows that we are serving for the betterment of our barangays.)
Cabugnason also shared that they hold forums with purok leaders to raise awareness about the government’s programs for fighting illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, Liga ng mga Barangay Federated President and Ex-Officio Board Member Genesis Tura talked about how important it is for barangays to help solve the problem of illegal drugs.
“Importante gyod kaayo ang mga barangay kay sila man gud ang mga frontliners, sila ang nakabalo sa ilang mga constituents kung kinsa tong na involved sa drugs,” he said.
(The barangays are very important because they are the frontliners; they are the ones who know their constituents who are involved in drugs.)
Moreover, Governor Imelda “Angging” dela Cruz Quibranza shared that they will allocate funds for the random drug testing barangays. She said that the drug test would require a blood sample instead of urine.
During the congress, programs were also launched and presented such as the “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” program, Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay sa Barangay program, Campaign Against Illegal Drugs, Kasimbayanihan and the Role Ecological Solid Waste Management program and Limpyong LaNorte Framework, Roles of Barangays in Universal Health Care, Nutritional Status of Lanao del Norte, Measles-Rubella Supplementary Immunization Activity and Teenage pregnancy and road clearing and right of way. (LELA&CEC/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
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