IDADAIT 2023 focuses on strengthening youth participation and prevention

Held every 26th day of June, International Day Against Illicit Drug Trafficking (IDADAIT) is being observed simultaneously in all member countries of the United Nations including Philippines as a manifestation of its purpose in achieving the goal of a world free of drug abuse.

In her message, Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, PADAC Chairman, represented by Executive Assistant Claire Joy Reterba Gonzaga, said that the province’s anti-illegal drug campaign also focuses on strengthening youth participation and prevention through education, values formation, and skills training.

“One of the highlights sa atong selebrasyon sa IDADAIT mao ang gipahigayon nato nga soft opening sa Special Drug Education Center or SDEC para sa mga out-of-school youth and street children ug ang inter municipality competition which also participated by youth”, Gonzaga added.

The center is a community-based facility housed inside the Senior Citizen Building, Capitol Compound, which will serve as a venue for promoting preventive and developmental services and educating the youth regarding the ill effects of drug abuse thereby, contributing to their total development as self-reliant and socially responsible members of the society.

PDEA Provincial Director, IA V Clodito V Canada, emphasized the vital role of youth in drug use prevention and encouraged their active participation and cooperation as they are the future leaders of the country.

PD Canada added, “We all know na youth is the most vulnerable sector, thus, by giving them education and right information masiguro nato ang ilang maayung kaugmaon and they will become our cross multipliers in the community”.

They also signed a manifesto of support and a memorandum of agreement for the adaptation and implementation of the Yakap Bayan Program, a holistic intervention that offers aftercare services for Recovering Person Who Used Drugs (RPWUDs).

In response, Board Member Charlemagne Bautista, SK Federation President assured that SK officials are firm in their commitment and support to the government’s efforts in eradicating illegal drugs.

Moreover, around 100 youth from 11 municipalities have participated in the contemporary dance and spoken poetry competition at the Capitol Lobby, as part of the IDADAIT 2023 celebration with the theme: “People first, Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention”.

Since then, Davao de Oro has been recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for performing a high record of functionality rating based on the effectiveness in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of anti-illegal drug activities. (Rheafe Canete Hortizano, Photos by Albert Dayao)