The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) awarded 14 barangays in Davao City during the second search for “Barangay ang Bida, Kontra Ilegal na Droga” for the 2023 Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week.
The theme for the 2023 Drug Abuse Prevention was “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention,” to promote public awareness against the detrimental effects of illegal drug use, and encourage public cooperation in the Anti-Drugs campaign.
The search was initiated by the CSWDO to recognize the unwavering support, active involvement, and valuable contribution of the barangays in the effective and efficient initiatives of the Community-based Rehabilitation and Aftercare Program.
The awarding ceremony was conducted on January 15 during the flag-raising ceremony at Quezon Park.
The 14 cluster level winners are Barangay Balengaeng, Barangay Sirib, Barangay Biao Joaquin, Barangay 14-B, Barangay 28-B, Barangay Catigan, Barangay Malabog, Barangay Talomo River, Barangay 10-A, Barangay 18-B, Barangay Inayangan, Barangay Langub, Barangay 11-B, and Barangay 36-B.
Meanwhile, Barangay Balengaeng won the search’s grand prize. The award was received by Barangay Captain Daniel M. Orong Sr.
Orong said, in an interview with the City Information Office (CIO), that they are glad to have their efforts recognized. He also shared that the drug reformists of Barangay Balengaeng are treated fairly and are prioritized when it comes to welfare benefits from their barangay.
“Ang katong mga drug reformists namo wala namo kana bitaw’ng ang uban man gud kanang mura’g ginareject pero sa amo, amoa silang ginacater. Unya sa tanang mga maayuhon sa barangay, una gyud namo silang ginahatagan [We always catered to our drug reformists, especially with the benefits and welfare goods from our barangay],” Orong said.
Orong also shared their barangay’s projects for the drug reformists in their barangays, including the conduct of drug tests.
City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte extended his gratitude for the barangays in a message through Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain, Jr. He also emphasized the importance of the role of the barangays as front liners in addressing the challenges within their respective communities.
According to the CSWDO, for 2023 there are 102 drug-cleared barangays noted to be ideal Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), which was significantly higher than the 2022’s record of 67. CIO
