THE Cebu City government, through the City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (Cosap), will be reviving its drama group that was part of its anti-illegal drug campaign.
The drama presentations of the group, just like in the past, will all be about the ill effects of illegal drugs to be portrayed by talents coming from the city’s barangays, according to Cosap head Garry Lao.
Lao said Mayor Tomas Osmeña has “approved in principle” the revival of the project.
Lao said they hoped that the creation of the drama group would be finalized by early next year and with funding approved by the City Council, preferably after the Sinulog Festival in January 2018.
He said Councilor Dave Tumulak will be asked to sponsor the resolution to revive and fund the program.
“(This activity) is one way in carrying out the very purpose of our office. We are coming up with new approaches in addressing and sending the message on the (dangerous effects) of drug abuse,” he said.
Lao said the idea to revive the program was initially discussed by Cosap with barangay youth leaders and anti-drug advocates.
Lao said the project was actually started by Osmeña in his earlier term as city mayor, but it was stopped about four years ago because “it sadly did not deliver the aspired result.”
Lao said that for their first drama project next year, they planned a “more direct and stronger” presentation that would unmask the dangers of illegal drugs. The presentation would target audiences in barangays known to be drug-infested, he said.
Tisa Barangay Captain Philip Zafra, the president of the Association of Barangay Councils-Cebu Chapter (ABC), welcomed the revival of the drama group and suggested that Cosap should present a material that would also be relatable to millennials.
“I encourage Cosap to support the creation of performing arts. Every barangay should have its own talent (group) so that they will not wait for a scheduled show,” he added.