By Diann Calucin
The Valenzuela City local government held a "Drug Awareness Poster-Making Contest" in celebration of Drug Abuse Prevention and Control (DAPC) week at Disiplina Village Bignay National High School (DVBNHS) covered court on Friday, Nov. 18.
The poster-making contest was coordinated with the Valenzuela Anti-Drug Abuse Office (VADAO) as part of its dedication to transforming every school in the city into a drug-free haven.
Councilor Bimbo dela Cruz, VADAC head, facilitated the contest with the theme “Kabataan Kontra Droga,” which was participated by 28 DVBNHS students.
The city government said the students had "staggered expressing their opinions and ideologies through drawing about the harmful effects of the prohibited drugs and its current situation in the country."
Five students won and were awarded with certificates and cash prizes.
The city government said VADAC had initiated several activities and programs on drug awareness including the symposium held last Oct. 7, which was joined by first-year college students from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV).
"The local government is doing every possible way to educate the students and disseminate information which involves awareness on the adverse effects of the prohibited drugs in their health and their lives," it stated.
It also said that the city's rehabilitation center, "Balai Banyuhay" or House of New Life, continues to transform residents, whose lives were influenced by illegal drugs, into effective community members.
It added that the implementation of programs seeks to completely end the long-standing drug problem in the city, provide a safe home for its residents, and lead them to a higher standard of living.