Empowering the Peace and Order Council and Anti-Drug Abuse Councils, the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Olongapo City, in coordination with the City Government of Olongapo, conducted Orientation on the Strengthening of Peace and Order Council (POC) and Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) on September 25 and Orientation on the Strengthening of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils and Barangay Drug Clearing Program on September 26 at Gordon College, East Tapinac.

"We need to increase our knowledge to fight illegal drugs," said Acting City Mayor Sarah Lugerna F. Lipumano Garcia on her message. "Our City and the Barangays certainly fight illegal drugs, but it is important to enhance our documentation (of the activities conducted by the City Government in the campaign against illegal drugs) and implementation (of drug clearing program). She also assured that she and City Government will give full support to strengthen the Peace and Order Council and Anti-Drug Abuse Council of Olongapo.

DILG City Director Amada T. Dumagat emphasized that the POCs and ADACs must be organized and functional in conformity with the existing laws, rules and regulations to ensure peaceful, safe and orderly communities. She also informed the participants about the POC and ADAC Performance Audit of the DILG to monitor and evaluate the functionality level of the said councils.

CD Dumagat enumerated the indicators measuring the performance of the Peace and Order Councils. She also highlighted the critical role of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils in the eradication of illegal drugs in the country.

The Olongapo City Police updated the members on the Peace and Order Situation and their accomplishments on their campaign against illegal drugs.

Barangay Drug Clearing Program Officer Marilyn Antonio, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, presented the drug affectation of each barangay in the city, and the process of Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP).

Dr. Eduardo Cruz, Rural Health Physician, City Health Office, explained the screening process for drug surrenders and the Drug Dependency Examination.

Social Welfare Officer III Nova Novejas-Codoy, City Social Welfare and Development Office, discussed the Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program which aims to equip the community and the families with strong values enabling them to create awareness and educate families on underlying causes of drug abuse problems.

LGOO II Vincent E. Catacutan cited the implementing guidelines on the functionality and effectiveness of Local Anti-Drug Abuse Councils. He also gave lecture on the ADAC Performance Audit and Drug Clearing Program Monitoring and Evaluation program of the DILG.

"The fight against illegal drugs is not easy," said Acting Liga ng mga Barangay President Angelito W. Baloy. "We must perform our duties and help one another. We thank our DILG, PNP and other agencies for helping the barangays."