π—₯π—’π—Ÿπ—Ÿ-𝗒𝗨𝗧 𝗧π—₯π—”π—œπ—‘π—œπ—‘π—š 𝗒𝗑 𝗦𝗧π—₯π—˜π—‘π—šπ—§π—›π—˜π—‘π—œπ—‘π—š π—œπ—‘π—¦π—§π—œπ—§π—¨π—§π—œπ—’π—‘π—”π—Ÿ π—–π—”π—£π—”π—–π—œπ—§π—œπ—˜π—¦ 𝗒𝗙 𝗕𝗔π—₯π—”π—‘π—šπ—”π—¬ π—”π—‘π—§π—œ-𝗗π—₯π—¨π—š π—”π—•π—¨π—¦π—˜ π—–π—’π—¨π—‘π—–π—œπ—Ÿπ—¦ (π—¦π—œπ—–π—”π—£-𝗕𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗖)

In line with the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen community-based anti-illegal drug initiatives, the Roll-Out Training on Strengthening Institutional Capacities of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (SICAP-BADAC) was conducted to enhance the knowledge, skills, and institutional capacities of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) members and barangay officials. The activity aimed to equip participants with the competencies needed to effectively implement anti-illegal drug programs, strengthen local governance mechanisms, and promote safer, healthier, and drug-free communities.

During the opening session, Mr. Jorem Luzon, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) of Prosperidad, presented the overview of the SICAP-BADAC program. He emphasized that the initiative aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of BADACs by equipping members with the necessary competencies to effectively carry out their mandates in preventing illegal drug activities, supporting rehabilitation efforts, and sustaining community-based anti-drug interventions.

To reinforce the concepts discussed, participants actively engaged in a workshop where they drafted and reviewed barangay policies and ordinances related to anti-drug abuse prevention and control. The workshop served as a practical learning exercise, allowing participants to formulate policy measures responsive to the needs of their respective communities while deepening their understanding of the mandates, functions, and responsibilities of the BADAC.

On the second day of the training, a representative from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) discussed the guidelines, processes, and documentary requirements for the declaration of drug-affected barangays as drug-cleared. The presentation highlighted the vital role of barangay officials and BADAC members in sustaining anti-illegal drug initiatives through continuous monitoring, community participation, and compliance with national standards to ensure the maintenance of safe, peaceful, and drug-free communities.

The participants were likewise oriented on the Drug-Free Workplace Program, which emphasized the importance of institutionalizing workplace policies that discourage illegal drug use while promoting preventive education, awareness campaigns, and employee wellness initiatives. The session underscored that maintaining a drug-free workplace not only contributes to a healthier and more productive workforce but also complements the broader goal of building resilient, safe, and drug-free communities.

The two-day roll-out training concluded with a renewed commitment among participating barangays and partner agencies to strengthen local governance mechanisms in addressing the illegal drug problem. Through capacity-building initiatives such as SICAP-BADAC, barangay officials are better equipped to implement responsive and evidence-based anti-drug programs, formulate effective local policies, and foster stronger collaboration in advancing the government’s vision of peaceful, resilient, and drug-free communities.

DIO: Liezl Mae Dumanon-Cuanan