Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, Philippines – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), under the leadership of Regional Director Gil Cesario P. Castro, held a two-day Capacity Enhancement Training on Barangay Drug Clearing and Advocacy Campaign for members of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC) from the municipality’s 39 barangays. The event took place on November 5-6, 2024, aiming to strengthen local communities’ roles in the fight against illegal drugs.
The training, specifically designed to equip Punong Barangay (village chiefs) and BADAC members, emphasized their significant roles in supporting the government’s intensified anti-drug initiatives. Through lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions, participants learned practical skills for effective drug-clearing operations, community mobilization, and public awareness activities.
Director Castro personally presented the certificates of completion to the participants who actively engaged throughout the sessions. He expressed his gratitude to the officials and leaders who showed dedication to advancing their communities’ safety and security by supporting PDEA’s anti-drug programs.
In his address, Director Castro extended special thanks to Honorable Mayor Datu Tucao Mastura for his unwavering support of PDEA’s programs and initiatives, which played an instrumental role in the successful implementation of the training.
“I commend all the barangay officials and BADAC members for their commitment and active involvement. Your dedication is crucial to making our anti-drug campaign more impactful in the community,” Castro stated.
This initiative is part of PDEA’s broader strategy to empower local government units and community leaders, strengthening the collaboration between the agency and local authorities to create drug-free communities across the region.
