The 2024 performance of 1,716 local anti-drug abuse councils (ADAC) will be reviewed this year to assess their capability to deal with the illegal drug woes in their respective communities, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Friday, Sept. 5.

The annual audit will cover last year's accomplishments of ADACs from 82 provinces, 149 cities, and 1,485 municipalities.

"To ensure a fair and objective process, each audit team will include members from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and accredited civil society organizations," the DILG noted.

The DILG maintained that the goal is to check how effective the ADACs are and to identify innovative programs and successful strategies in the fight against illegal drugs.

"Eight key areas will be reviewed during the audit: Re-establishment or reorganization of local ADACs, Regular conduct of council meetings, Budget allocation and implementation of anti-drug programs, Support provided to barangay level Anti Drug Abuse Committees, Oversight and management, Efforts to clear barangays of drug influence and sustain these gains, Access to rehabilitation and reintegration services, and Local systems in place to ensure accountability and integrity," the DILG added.

Further, the DILG noted that the entire audit will be done through the ADAC Functionality Monitoring System (ADAC-FMS), a digital platform for submitting and reviewing reports. 

The DILG said all supporting documents must be uploaded to this system, and local government units (LGUs) will also be able to view the results there.

“Each ADAC will be rated on a 100-point scale: High Performing: 70–100 points, Moderate: 51–69 points,  Low Performing: Below 50 points," the DILG maintained.

Low-performing councils will receive technical assistance and support, depending on the availability of funds.

However, if a council receives low scores for two years in a row, the DILG said that administrative or legal action may be taken. 

“Top-performing councils, those scoring at least 80 points may be recognized for excellence in areas such as innovation, consistent performance, reintegration efforts, and aftercare services," the DILG pointed out.