The Department of the Interior and Local Government of Zambales (DILG Zambales) headed by Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad facilitated the conduct of the province-wide Orientation on Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) Policies on November 22, 2021 via zoom meeting platform, to further strengthen the capacities of local government units towards their anti-drug abuse and clearing efforts.

 The activity was participated in by Local Health Officers, Local Social Welfare Development Officers, Chiefs of Police (COPs), Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) LGU Focal Persons and Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) Presidents from the thirteen (13) local government units (LGUs), including the Provincial Government of Zambales.

The said undertaking was co-facilitated by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (RJJWC).

PD Bactad, in her message, highlighted the important roles of local government units and partner agencies as front liners on the government's fight against illegal drugs. "...Kasi mauuna po tayo, tayo po ang front liners, ang 'first line of defense' ika nga po nila, na kanilang malalapitan. Yung group na ito ang unang-una magpa-plano paano natin mai-eradicate sa ating kanya-kanyang barangay, sa ating mga kanya-kanyang bayan 'yung ating matagal nang problema."

"With the pandemic na kinakaharap natin ngayon, napakahirap na meron pa tayong dagdag problema. Pero isipin po natin, ang lagi po nating binabanggit, na ito yung highest calling kung tutuusin sa ating mga Pilipino. Tayo 'yung mga public servant, tayo 'yung mga maaasahan ng ating mga kababayan para lalong maging progresibo, maging developed ang ating mga kanya-kanyang bayan at barangay," PD Bactad added as she encouraged everyone's support in the government's strong pursuit in creating safe, secured spaces and drug-free communities despite dreadful economic episode the country is facing due to pandemic.

Ms. Ricci Ann S. Pangan, DOH Senior Health Program Officer, Mr. Christian DeHonor, PDEA Regional Team Leader, Ms. Sherryl Balatbat Santos, RSW of DSWD R3, and Mr. Reyman M. Bimeda, SWO III of RJJWC served as resource speakers during the activity. Among the topics discussed were the "Dangerous Board BR 4 series of 2020: Guidelines for the Oversight of General Intervention (GI) and Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) Implemented and Adopted by the LGUs at Various Levels," "Dangerous Drugs Board BR 7, series of 2019 entitled 'Consolidated Revised Rules Governing Access to Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs and Services,'' Barangay Drug Clearing Program, Aftercare Program and Process of Handling Minors.

The CBDRP policy establishes guidelines for implementing community-based drug rehabilitation programs and services, defines the roles and functions of national government agencies (NGAs), civil society organizations (CSOs), religious groups, and other community-based organizations to avoid role overlap, and ensures effective resource allocation for the anti-illegal drugs initiative.