Pampanga Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda has urged barangay leaders not to falter in the anti-illegal drugs
campaign.
VG Pineda has also encouraged them to continue motivating drug users and pushers to surrender in a bid to end the drug problem in the province.
The vice governor made the call after Police Director General Ronald “Bato” De la Rosa and Central Luzon police director Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino gave him and his mother, Gov. Lilia Pineda, recognition for their “invaluable contribution to the accomplishment of peace and order endeavors” of the police in the region.
The governor and the vice governor received plaques of appreciation on the occasion of the 115th anniversary of the Philippine National Police last Monday, Sept. 5, in Camp Olivas here.
In the program, General De la Rosa said in good humor that he was applying as provincial police director of Pampanga, having received reports that the police have been getting big logistical support in the campaign to stop the proliferation of dangerous drugs.
“The Governor and I are reaffirming our support to the> police, local governments, Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (Badac), > Nanay volunteers and civic organizations helping in making our communities, especially our young people, safe from the evils of illegal drugs,” Vice Governor Pineda said.
His advocacy against illegal drugs began since he was mayor of Lubao town, using sports programs to wean the youth away from drugs and providing support to the local police.
His recent initiative involved seeking the approval of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and Sangguniang Panlalawigan to allot P10 million as initial budget for the campaign dubbed as “Dalan ning Pamagbayu (Road to
Change).”
The amount has been set aside for drug testing, physical fitness and rehabilitation programs, which can be availed of by 10,544 surrendered users and 544 surendered pushers. Orientations were also held for Badac in 505 barangays.
Governor Lilia Pineda has planned to use two buildings in the Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation Center (CLDRC) as facilities to be funded and operated by the provincial and local governments. The CLDRC is located in Barangay
Sto. Niño in Magalang town, Pampanga. The two buildings were built by the provincial government.
Vice Governor Pineda said “there should be no let-up in our campaign to stop the use and sale of illegal drugs. The police have four months more to meet the deadline set by President Duterte. Let’s work harder to make Pampanga drug-free.”