CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — A total of 77 local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon were cited for obtaining a 100 percent rating in the 2023 Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Audit.
During the 2024 Gawad Timpukan, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Anthony Nuyda said the event is a fitting way to close the year by reflecting on the milestones that the region has achieved and by honoring the remarkable contributions of LGUs and individuals who have exemplified excellence and dedication in public service, especially in raising public awareness on anti-illegal drugs activities and empowering the communities.
“Today, let us reflect on our accomplishments, identify areas for growth, and most importantly, recognize outstanding efforts of those who have gone above and beyond in delivering efficient, effective, and responsive public service. Your achievements reinforce our collective vision of a government that is truly matino, mahusay, at maaasahan,” he said.
For his part, DILG Assistant Secretary for Local Government Jesi Howard Lañete lauded the awardees, citing that their commitment to excellence is not just recognized but is celebrated and held as an example for everyone to follow.
“Your achievements to promoting peace and order, enhancing disaster resilience, advancing social welfare, and fighting the scourge of illegal drugs, are shining examples of what is possible when dedication meets integrity,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, DILG Bureau of Local Government Supervision Director Debbie Torres said that the recognition and excellence for the ADAC performance audit speak volumes on the caliber of leadership and innovations in the region.
Of the 77 LGUs, 26 were hailed as national awardees, while the remaining 51 were recognized as regional awardees.
The national awardees include the eight towns of Aurora namely Baler, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalungan, Dingalan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, and San Luis.
Also included in the roster of national awardees are the towns of Abucay, Dinalupihan, Morong, Pilar, and Samal in Bataan; Guiguinto in Bulacan; and Bongabon, Llanera, Peñaranda, and San Leonardo in Nueva Ecija.
In Pampanga, only Magalang town qualified for the national award; with Pura and San Jose towns in Tarlac; and the towns of Botolan, Cabangan, Masinloc, San Marcelino, and Sta. Cruz in Zambales.
Meanwhile, the regional awardees include the Provincial Government of Aurora; municipalities of Hermosa, Mariveles, and Orani in Bataan; as well as Angat, Bulakan, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Pulilan, and San Miguel in Bulacan.
In Nueva Ecija, the awardees include Science City of Muñoz, Cuyapo, Gabaldon, General Tinio, San Antonio, San Isidro, and Talugtug; while in Pampanga, included are the towns of Apalit, Arayat, Bacolor, Candaba, Lubao, Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, Porac, San Luis, Sta. Ana, Sta. Rita, and Sto. Tomas.
The Provincial Government of Tarlac, Tarlac City, Anao, Bamban, Camiling, Capas, Concepcion, Gerona, La Paz, Mayantoc, Moncada, Paniqui, Ramos, San Clemente, San Manuel, Sta. Ignacia, and Victoria in Tarlac were awarded; with the Provincial Government of Zambales, Olongapo City, Candelaria, Iba, and San Felipe in Zambales.
The ADAC Performance Awards recognizes LGUs for their exemplary performance in complementing the national government’s anti-illegal drug campaign and also highlighting community involvement in preventing the proliferation of illegal drugs under the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program.
Criteria for determining high functional ADACs include a rating of not lower than 80 percent in Barangay ADAC with high functionality; ability to maintain drug-cleared or drug-free status; and reduction of drug cases in the area for 2023. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
