BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 13 officially conferred the prestigious Drug-Free Workplace Certification to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga during a ceremony held on December 18, 2024, at the DILG Regional Office XIII. This milestone underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a workplace free from illegal drugs.
IA V Emerson Joshua Santiago, PDEA Caraga’s Provincial Officer for Agusan del Norte, ceremonially presented the Plaque of Commendation to DILG Caraga Regional Director, Dir. Maria Loisella E. Lucino, CESO IV. Santiago highlighted that the certification symbolizes not only recognition but also an ongoing responsibility, as maintaining the drug-free status requires annual validation by PDEA.
“This certification is a testament to DILG Caraga’s dedication to upholding the principles of integrity and public service,” Santiago stated. He lauded DILG Caraga for its critical role in supporting PDEA’s drug-clearing initiatives, particularly at the grassroots level. Santiago further encouraged the agency to sustain its exemplary compliance and partnership in the fight against illegal drugs.
Upon accepting the Plaque of Commendation, Dir. Lucino reaffirmed the DILG’s core values of “Matino, Mahusay at Maasahan,” emphasizing the importance of integrity, competence, and reliability among its officers and staff. “This certification reflects our collective commitment to fostering a safe and drug-free environment, which is vital to the effective delivery of public service,” she said. Lucino also commended the DILG Caraga team for their proactive measures in supporting national anti-drug campaigns.
The conferment ceremony coincided with the DILG Caraga’s year-end celebration, “2024 Pasundayag sa DILG Trese,” which highlighted the successful implementation of various regional programs. Dir. Lucino described the certification as a “significant victory” and a reflection of the agency’s strong leadership and adherence to national laws.
Over the past years, DILG Caraga has spearheaded initiatives such as the Drug-Free Workplace Orientation Seminar, which led to the institutionalization of an anti-drug abuse policy and mandatory drug testing for all personnel. These efforts have been instrumental in securing the certification and reinforcing the agency’s commitment to a drug-free workplace.
In his closing remarks, Santiago congratulated DILG Caraga for this achievement and reiterated PDEA’s readiness to support its continued efforts. “The fight against illegal drugs is a shared responsibility, and DILG Caraga’s leadership serves as a model for other agencies to follow,” he said.
The event marks a milestone in the collaboration between PDEA and DILG Caraga, further solidifying their shared mission to combat illegal drugs and uphold the integrity of public service in the region.