With the aim of strengthening the internal capacity of Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Zambales, led by Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad conducted the Orientation and Training on the Strengthening of Anti-Drug Abuse Councils on September 6-7, 2018 at Vista Marina Hotel and Resort, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Said activity, in coordination with DILG Region III, DILG Olongapo, Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) and Olongapo City Police Office, was attended by representatives from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDO) and IT Staff from the 13 Municipalities of Zambales, Provincial Government of Zambales (PGZ) represented by Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and Olongapo City Health Office.

In her message, PD Bactad emphasized the significance of the roles and responsibilities of all ADACs and other stakeholders in helping to achieve the goal of the Duterte administration's fight against illegal drugs.

LGOO II Joanna Maureen Marasigan of DILG Zambales and LGOO II Vincent Catacutan of DILG Olongapo discussed the Department's initiative on assessing the functionality and effectiveness of the local anti-drug abuse councils that covers all provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays. Also, ZPPO Provincial Director PSSUPT Cosme A. Abrenica highlighted the accomplishments on the campaign against illegal drugs of Region III and the Province of Zambales.

Moreover, the DDB presented and provided hands-on training on the Integrated Drug Monitoring and Reporting Information System (IDMRIS), as this will serve as the official monitoring tool for ADAC functionality and performance.

This year's ADAC functionality audit will cover CY 2017 data, which will be used as baseline information. In the ensuing years, ADACs with high level of functionality could be recognized and incentivized and be included as one of the requirements for LGUs to pass the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) program of DILG.