THE Mabalacat City government, headed by Mayor Crisostomo Garbo with the support of the city council led by Vice Mayor Gerald Aquino, has once again proven its excellence as it received a plaque of recognition for its exemplary performance in implementing the national government’s anti-illegal drug abuse campaign in the 2022 National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Awarding last January 16 at Kingsborough Hotel, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

In a statement, Garbo thanked the men and women of Mabalacat LGU (local government unit) who supported his “advocacy and campaign” against the proliferation of illegal drugs in the city.

“This recognition is another testament [to] our good partnership between the LGU and the community in order to keep our beloved city secured and safe from illegal substances. And once our state-of-the-art command center will be ready, it will definitely help our law enforcers fight crime and promote peace and order,” Garbo said.

Based on the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) dated May 21, 2018, the Local Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) play a “significant role in the coordination and proper monitoring” of drug-related incidents in a locality, including the barangay level.

DILG Officer Rowena Ocampo and City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) head Rosann Paquia received the award on behalf of Garbo.

In the 2021 ADAC Performance Audit, Mabalacat City garnered 87.5 performance score.

The city mayor urged the local police and barangay officials to stay attentive in monitoring any illegal activity within the communities.

“Sa ating mga masisipag na kapitan, kagawad, at bantay bayan, kayo ang mas nakakaalam ng mga galawan sa inyong nasasakupan. Patuloy sana kayo sa pakikipagtulungan sa kapulisan at sa akin upang tuluyan natin masugpo ang mga ilegal na aktibidad sa ating mahal na siyudad,” Garbo said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Bernard Galang