PDEA: 17 Ilocos Region LGUs hailed for efficient anti-illegal drugs programs
By Chito Chavez
(PDEA PHOTO)
A total of 17 local government units (LGUs) in the Ilocos Region were conferred with the “Balangay Seal of Excellence’’ in recognition of their exemplary efforts in the implementation of their anti-drug programs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.
PDEA Director General Isagani R Nerez personally presented the brass seals to the awardees during the June 26 Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Drugs (RICAD) 2nd Quarter Meeting held at the Laoag City Auditorium in Ilocos Norte.
With the theme “Gawad Balangay 2025: Bayanihan Para Sa Pagbangon,” the event was in line with the annual celebration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT).
“Once a province, city or municipality which was previously drug-affected but is declared cleared from illegal drugs, automatically receives the ‘Balangay Seal of Excellence’ — the highest recognition given to implementers of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program,” Nerez explained.
Nerez congratulated the awardees, stating that “you are living proof that when individuals and communities bind together and take ownership of the fight against illegal drugs, positive changes happen.
“The Balangay, an ancient vessel that symbolizes Filipino resilience, courage, adaptability and ingenuity, perfectly represents our national anti-drug campaign today. Like the boat, we sail together, with every oar pulled by a committed partner, each one propelling us forward towards a shared destination: a drug-free, safe and prosperous Philippines,” Nerez noted.