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Barangay chiefs told to reactivate BADACs

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has ordered the reactivation of all dormant Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) in the city’s 180 barangays to help in the current campaign against dangerous drugs and purveyors of illegal substances.

The mayor's directive came after city police authorities identified 15 barangays seriously affected by drugs. These barangays are Zamora-Melliza, Veterans Village, Sto. Rosario, Tanza-Esperanza, Malipayon, and Rizal in the City Proper district; Bito-on and Simon Ledesma in Jaro; North San Jose, Calumpang and Boulevard in Molo; and Bakhaw, Yulo, Sta. Filomena, and Sto. Niño Sur in Mandurriao district.

Late last year, Treñas, through an executive order, also ordered barangay chiefs to submit a list of residents above 15 years old, including transients, in their barangays. The directive was primarily aimed at identifying measures to prevent or minimize, if not eradicate, drug abuse in the locality and to prevent any terroristic activity.

'We have been intensifying our efforts to make Iloilo a drug-free city. However, the effort requires everyone’s help because neither the city government nor the police authorities can do it alone. For us to succeed, our barangay officials should work hand in hand with the city government and our police authorities, and their respective BADACS can help in the effort,' Treñas said.

The mayor, who is concurrent chair of the Iloilo City Anti Drug Abuse Council (ICADAC), has been sending the ICADAC speakers bureau to conduct anti-drug abuse symposium in the affected barangays to educate its residents about the dangers and ill effects of illegal drugs.

The ICADAC speakers bureau have been doing the rounds of public and private schools and barangays since September 2003 conducting a series of symposia against drugs.

(Adora B. Bandorio/PIO)