Bayambang hosted the Roll-Out Training on the Strengthening of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) at the Balon Bayambang Events Center on Wednesday, November 22, 2017.

Barangay captains, councilors, and secretaries, along with representatives from civil society and non-government organizations from 49 barangays in Bayambang, 15 barangays in Bautista, and 16 barangays in Calasiao participated in the orientation and series of workshops prepared by the Pangasinan Provincial Office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-PPO).

There were speakers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and DILG who explained the illegal drug problem in the national and local context, the mandates of BADAC, and the Barangay Drug Clearing Program. They also led the workshops on the strategies and interventions pertaining to the drug problem at the barangay level.

Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao said, “Napaka-importante ng training na ito kasi hindi po kaya ng pamahalaan kung hindi mag-uumpisa sa barangay level ang ating programa against drug abuse.” He added that, “Kayo ang pinakamaliit na unit ng gobyerno, pero kayo ang pinakamarami, kaya’t sa inyo lahat dapat mag-umpisa ang mga aktibidad na ito.”

According to DILG Cluster II Leader Victoria Jean Paras Daois, the national government called for these trainings to be held around the country to further strengthen the councils. She urged the participants to listen intently because the speakers would explain how their barangays could help in achieving a 100% drug-free community.