San Jose, Tarlac – The Municipality of San Jose earned the distinction as a Drug-Cleared Municipality on December 14 at the AL AHMIR Resort, Brgy. Labney, San Jose, Tarlac, after complying with the 14 parameters set by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) as provided in Section 8, DDB Board Regulation No. 3 Series of 2017, otherwise known as "Strengthening the Implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program."

PNP Tarlac Provincial Director Ritchie Medardo A. Posadas said, San Jose is the 3rd among the municipalities in Tarlac (next to Ramos and Capas) to be cleared from anti-illegal drugs and drug perpetrators.

Meanwhile, PD Belina T. Herman, CESE of DILG Tarlac congratulated the Local Government of San Jose for this achievement. "This is not the end, but this is only the beginning," PD Herman said. She furthered that this is another call of challenge for the LGU and barangay officials of San Jose to work even harder and sustain what they have started.

Assistant Regional Director Lyndon P. Aspacio of PDEA-R3 in his message expressed his gratitude to be part of a significant undertaking like this in a municipality for the first time. He added that barangays are the catalysts of change, as they play crucial roles in every drug clearing program of the government.

Highlights of the ceremony is the awarding of certificates of recognition to the following, to wit: (1) BADAC members of 13 drug-cleared barangays in San Jose; (2) Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC); (3) Personnel who directly contributed to the completion of Drug-Clearing Program in the municipality; and (4) Local Chief Executive.

Honorable Mayor Jose A. Yap, Jr., in his Acceptance Speech, commended the best efforts of the members of MADAC and BADAC, local functionaries, PNP, PDEA, CSOs and other advocacy partners, which in one way or another have successfully brought the name of San Jose in the list of drug-free municipalities not only in the province, but in Central Luzon as a whole.

With that, "San Jose is now a better place to live in," Mayor Yap affirmed.

Aside from these, Ret. PSupt. Elsa Miranda, Consultant of the Provincial Government of Tarlac graced the event and shared an inspirational message from Governor Susan A. Yap that lauded the unparalleled dedication and hard work from the men and women behind this noteworthy achievement of the Municipality of San Jose. By LGOO V Precious Ava E. Guevarra.