SOUTH COTABATO -Law enforcement officers are no longer standing alone in South Cotabato’s anti-drug campaign—local students and criminology interns are stepping up to help protect their communities from illegal drugs.
As part of the province’s comprehensive strategy under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office–Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PSWDO-PADAC), youth volunteers from institutions like Green Valley College are actively participating in community education, preventive training, and local rehabilitation support.
For criminology intern Arjay Solis, student involvement bridges the gap between official law enforcement strategies and grassroots awareness.
“Gusto namon nga makabulig sa communities paagi sa aktibo nga participation sa mga training kag seminars nga ginapatigayon sang PADAC,” Solis shared, emphasizing that young people play a vital role in preventing drug proliferation before it takes root.
Rather than focusing solely on enforcement, PSWDO-PADAC’s approach integrates community-based rehabilitation, public education campaigns, and direct multi-sectoral partnerships with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
According to PDAC In-Charge Princess Izra A. Griño, the declaration of 183 drug-clear barangays represents a significant step toward achieving safer, peaceful, and orderly communities in South Cotabato.
“Ang pag maintain sang drug-clear status barangays ang naga require sang padayon nga supporta kag cooperation sang mga local officials, government agencies,mga pumoloyo sa communidad kag mga stakeholders.” Griño said
Meanwhile, the achievement of drug free status by eight barangays reflects the sustained commitment of communities and their partner organizations in preventing illegal drug activities and supporting government anti-drug initiatives.
Through sustained community-based rehabilitation programs, information campaigns, preventive initiatives, and close coordination with law enforcement agencies and partner organizations, the provincial government aims to increase the number of drug-clear and drug-free barangays in South Cotabato.
The continuing efforts also seek to strengthen community awareness, encourage public participation, and establish a stronger support system for individuals undergoing rehabilitation.
