Koronadal City – At least 16 out of the 22 barangays in Banga town were declared as drug-cleared by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) during the final deliberation held recently in this city.
PDEA ROXII Director Naravy D Duquiatan, Chairperson, ROCBDC 12 disclosed that these areas include the barangays of Benitez, El Nonok, San Vicente, Improgo, Reyes, Liwanay, Derilon, Lam-apos, Rang-ay, Yangco, Cabling, Lamba, Rizal Pob., Lambingi, San Jose and Barangay Cinco.
LGU Banga led by MADAC Focal Person Ms. Fermin M. Dorego and the Barangay Officials of the 16 barangay applicants presented their documentation for final deliberation before the oversight committee after a pre-deliberation activity was conducted by the Committee last June 23, 2021.
Duquiatan also revealed that aside from the 16 barangays of Banga, they also conducted final deliberations to other 102 barangays in the region, which resulted in the retention of 82 Barangays as Drug-cleared status.
Three more barangays were declared as drug-cleared and one Barangay in Sarangani as Drug-free.
To date, out of the 199 barangays in South Cotabato, 156 are considered as drug-cleared.
Despite the challenge brought about by the pandemic, the oversight committee uses a blended strategy like face-to-face and virtual meetings to push through with the activity.
Other members of the oversight committee present during the final deliberation include DOH Representative, Dr. Naimah Lamondaya; RCAD PNP – PLTCOL Jomar Alexis Yap; and DILG XII LGOO V Melroy Manait.
The activity was attended by a representative from PADAC South Cotabato, Ms. Genelene Vidanes; Banga MPS, Pres.Quirino; MPS, Bagumbayan; MPS, Isulan MPS, PltCol Joel Fuerte; PCADU SKPPO; Arakan MPS; Tulunan MPS; Kalamansig MPS; Esperanza MPS; Magpet MPS; Kiamba MPS; Maitum MPS; Banisilan MPS; Ms. Cheryl Mae David, (CBDRP focal person Sarangani Province); Ms. Krystn Phoebe Rivera , (Health Program Officer of South Cotabato); Ms. Giselle Gestupa, MADAC Alabel Focal Person; and MADAC and BADAC of Pres.Quirino headed by Hon. Mayor Ma Katrina Buena Sandigan.
According to PDEA, the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) encompasses a holistic and whole-of-nation approach in addressing the drug problem by enlisting the participation of local government units (LGUs), government agencies, and various stakeholders of the national anti-drug campaign.
