Members of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) and Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) have convened today, November 29, 2024, at the 2nd flr., Mytallic Bldg., Camalig Municipal Hall, to discuss initiatives to combat drug abuse and promote peace and order.

 

The meeting included an introduction on the “Yakap Bayan” program, a rehabilitation and reintegration framework for recovering persons who used drugs (RPWUDs), implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in collaboration with other agencies. Ms. Shirly Ochoa, Yakap Bayan Focal Person from the DSWD Regional Office 5, presented the program’s details. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the said program was also approved according to Municipal Councilor Hon. Abegail “Begs” Go, signifying LGU-Camalig’s commitment to the program’s successful implementation.

 

PEMS Joel Velasco from the Camalig Municipal Police Station (MPS) highlighted operational accomplishments, including the apprehension of individuals involved in illegal gambling, ongoing “Oplan Manhunt Charlie” campaigns, and the establishment of checkpoints and control points. Velasco also emphasized their full adherence to Republic Act 9165 or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”.

 

The Philippine Army’s Ssg Jose Aldrin Alzaga also provided an update on their deployment and mobilization operations and relayed the upcoming “Handog Pamasko” program which is set to accommodate 30 children across Camalig. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), under the lead of JINSP Anita Andueza presented their ongoing programs for inmates, including parol skills training, art therapy, webinar on mental health and stress management, college education behind bars, livelihood projects, and various welfare programs.

 

Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) Meredith Basquiñas also reminded the councils to ensure the completion of the Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) plan for 2025-2028, stating that the programs that should be included are those that can achieve 100% full utilization to further improve the audit score and to make service delivery more efficient for the people.

 

The meeting also celebrated the councils’ recent successes at the “Pagsaludar” Awarding Ceremony, where they received four awards: High Functional Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC), ADAC Special Innovation Award, High Functional Peace and Order Council (POC), and POC Special Innovation Award.