Bontoc gets P100-K as nat’l ADAC awardee

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province -This capital town was a recipient of three awards during the 2023 Regional Awarding of Best Performing Local Government Units “Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan (BIDA) Caravan” initiated by the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government Feb. 8,  here at Newtown Plaza Hotel.
    Bontoc was one of four municipalities in Mountain Province that garnered a high functionality rating in the 2022 National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Award.
    This recognition is given to local government units that have implemented effective and sustainable anti-drug efforts as support to the national government.
    With this, Bontoc Mayor Jerome "Chagsen" Tudlong, Jr., and municipal local government operations officer Lourdes Claire Peel, alongside with DILG-Mountain Province provincial director Evelyn Trinidad and provincial director Sibly Dawiguey, Jr., of the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office received the check award of Bontoc worth P100,000.
    It will be used to augment fund allotted by the Bontoc LGU for anti-illegal drug programs.
    Bontoc was also recognized for having 100% high-functional BADACs.
    This award was based on the result of the 2022 Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council Functionality Assessment.
    Bontoc was also cited for its exemplary performance in the delivery of services for children, garnering an overall rating of 87.00 in the 2021 child-friendly local governance audit.
    Mayor Tudlong credited the awards to the collaborative efforts of the partner national government agencies, religious sectors, other stakeholders, and the community.
    In her message, DILG regional sirector Araceli San Jose highlighted the importance of acting together in the success of anti-illegal drug campaigns.
    She expressed high hopes the recognition of awardees will serve as an inspiration to other LGUs to intensify their campaigns against illegal drugs. "In our desire to combat illegal drugs, our actions must always be guided by the highest moral principles with respect for human rights and dignity," San Jose emphasized.
    Bureau of Local Government Supervision Director Debbie Torres representing DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., lauded the awardees and thanked them for their efforts in the fight against illegal drugs.
    The awarding was led by San Jose with guests BLGS director  Torres, PNP Northern Luzon area deputy commander Maj. Gen. Oliver Enmodias, Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values national director Nathaniel Saquiban, and other dignitaries.