City eyes new approaches in its anti-illegal drugs campaign

“We have to introduce new methodologies and approaches to the city’s ongoing anti-drug campaign, especially on demand reduction.”

This was emphasized by Mayor Benjamin Magalong in his message during flag-raising rites, Sept. 25, at City Hall before officials, employees and guests.

During his official trip to Dallas, Texas last July to attend a Coalition Against Illegal Drugs, the Mayor said he was able to learn new insights and approaches in the battle against illegal drugs with emphasis on demand reduction.

“That’s the reason why prior to my foreign travel, I decided to hold in abeyance the city’s strategic planning on anti-drugs program for 2024 because we would like to get new ideas and concepts for us to be able to change our ‘business as usual’ approach on illegal drugs especially now that things have changed and we have a new environment,” he said.

The Mayor revealed that the city government has “practically and significantly” reduced the number of drug-affected barangays in the Summer Capital.

“Kaya kailangan na rin nating baguhin iyong ating mga approaches at hindi pwede iyong dati nating ginagawa in the past several years,” he stressed.

The Mayor said the city needs to rationalize its anti-illegal drugs campaign and introduce new methodologies and approaches especially in the aspect of demand reduction. – Gaby B. Keith