Bontoc allots budget for drug surrenderees

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The local government here through the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) has allotted funds for livelihood projects for drug surrenderees.
    The funds are ready for implementation this year in line with the LGUs anti-illegal drug campaign.
    This was presented by Social Welfare Officer III Stephanie Kanongkong of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office during the joint MADAC and Municipal Advisory Council meeting on Jan. 17 at the Municipal Capitol.
    According to Kanongkong, among approved livelihood projects proposed by the beneficiaries in 2022 were hog raising, livestock, and procurement of welding machines/equipment.
    It was funded by the Bontoc LGU under its anti-illegal drug programs.
    She added beneficiaries completed their community-based rehabilitation program and are continuously being monitored by the MADAC.
    Aside from this, the council agreed to allocate the P100, 000 cash prize it will receive from the national government for the livelihood projects to be proposed by the PWUDs in the municipality.
    The cash prize is for being one of the 2022 National Anti-drug Abuse
Council Performance Awardees.
    On the part of the Bontoc LGU, the MADAC shall assist the beneficiaries in the preparation of their livelihood project proposals and documentary requirements.

The MADAC shall monitor livelihood projects.

Bontoc Mayor and MADAC Chairperson Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., said  anti-illegal drug programs are necessary in helping drug surrenderees go back on the right track.

“We hope that this assistance will assist our drug surrenderees in achieving a new life. We also hope that they will be able to sustain their livelihood. The MADAC will continue to assist them in this endeavor,” Tudlong added.

Meanwhile, PMAJ Pedro Tactay, the Chief of Police of Bontoc Municipal Police Station and co-chairperson of the MADAC thanked members and partner stakeholders for helping the police in the successful implementation of the anti-illegal drug campaign in the capital town when he presided over the meeting.