DADS OK DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION, REHABILITATION PROGRAM

A proposed ordinance adopting a comprehensive anti-drug abuse
prevention and rehabilitation program for Baguio was approved by the
city council on first reading last Wednesday.

Introduced by Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr., the proposed measure seeks
the active participation of the city government in waging an all-out
war against narcotics and prohibited drugs.

Yangot said the State is mandated to promote and protect the welfare
and well being of the youth against the deleterious effects of
dangerous drugs, and as such, the city government is obliged to
actively participate in waging a relentless war against prohibited
drugs and consider the same as public nuisances.

"It is imperative for the city government to adopt and strictly
implement an integrated system of planning, implementation and
enforcement of anti-drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation policies,
programs and activities in order to ensure a balanced national and
local drug control campaign," Yangot explained.

He added the effective implementation of a comprehensive anti-drug
abuse prevention and rehabilitation program in the city would ensure
the positive re-integration of drug dependents as productive elements
of the society through sustainable programs of treatment and
rehabilitation.

"The drug problem in the city is perceived as a health and social
service concern rather than police enforcement and prosecution," the
proponent noted.