The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday recognized 246 local government units for their accomplishments and success in the battle against illegal drugs in their respective areas.

The awardees were feted by DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos during the 2023 Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Awards held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Quezon City.

Abalos said the 246 awardees were chosen based on their Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) functionality and sustainability of drug-free or drug-cleared status.

They were also chosen based on percentage of completion rate of graduates versus enrollees at the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP), Abalos said.

ADAC is a multi-sectoral council responsible for the formulation of plans, and the implementation of local anti-drug abuse programs, projects and activities in a particular locality. The council is chaired by the local chief executives at the provincial, city and municipal levels.

In addition to the ADAC Performance Awards, special recognition will be given to LGUs for their outstanding efforts in implementing effective drug rehabilitation programs and initiatives in their communities under the CBDRP.

The theme for the awarding ceremony is “Bayang Pinag-isa ng Diwa Laban sa Ilegal na Droga,” which is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for the nation to unite against the menace of illegal drugs.

In 2018, the DILG and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) issued Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 which provided the six indicators in determining functionality of the ADACs.

The DILG also issued Memorandum Circular 2021-062 stating the guidelines, indicators, and awarding criteria for the conduct of audit year 2022. #