Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan delivers his message during the unveiling of the drug-free marker in Barangay Caohagan. | photo courtesy of Lapu-Lapu City PIO
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — A Drug-Free Barangay marker was unveiled on Friday at Barangay Caohagan, Lapu-Lapu City.
The unveiling was done by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug-Clearing Program.
Coahagan is an islet barangay of Olango Island.
Caohagan now holds the distinction as the very first barangay in the city to be declared drug-free.
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The unveiling of the marker was attended by the members of the committee, composed of representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Department of Health (DOH).
Also present during the ceremony were Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, and city and barangay officials.
Chan congratulated the barangay’s officials for achieving such a status.
“My Congratulations and Salute to Barangay Captain Danilo Abayan tungod sa inyong hiniusang pagtinabangay nga dili kasulod ang druga sa inyong barangay,” Chan said.
Chan also vows to support the city’s campaign against illegal drugs, led by the office of the City of Lapu-Lapu Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (CLOSAP).
The mayor added that he also dreamed that all barangays in Olango Island would be declared drug-free.
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Councilor Annabeth Cuizon, who chairs the Committee on Social Services, also promised residents of Caohagan that they will implement livelihood programs, especially for drug surrenderers.
“Mohimo pod mi sa among mga lakang nga ma-providan ug livelihood, pinaagi ni Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, ang atong mga drug surrenderers, and dili lang sa mga drug surrenderers apil na sad ang mga out-of-school youth kay kitang tanan magtinabangay man,” Cuizon said.
He also urged the barangay officials to maintain their status and prevent the entry of illegal drugs into their area. /rcg
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