The Commission In will
have the primary objective of devoting the commission to countering
and putting an end to drug problem in the province.
Gov. Petilla said that
with the set up of this special commission he noted three fundamental
principles of the country's drug policy that says “prevention is
better than cure, cure is better than harm reduction and harm
reduction is better than doing nothing.”
The governor also
recently signed his approval on the said ordinance.
This ordinance
mandates the creation of the Leyte Provincial Commission on Drugs and
Substance Abuse, which in itself establishes particularly a program to
prevent, curb and stop incidence of dangerous drugs and substance.
Highlighting the
commission’s scope of responsibility would be the plans and programs
of the provincial government within its territorial jurisdiction to
fight substance and drug abuse, the prevention, control and
eradication of drug use, selling and trafficking, the information and
communication campaign on illicit drugs and related matters.
Noting the country’s
long and ongoing battle against the scourge of drugs, the newly signed
provincial ordinance likewise seeks to assist the national government
in safeguarding its political jurisdiction from the harmful effects
that illegal drugs cause and recognizing its as “one of today’s social
ills.”
The commission to be
created under this ordinance will serve as a focal point through which
various organizations and individuals would work together in planning,
implementing, monitoring and evaluating adopted plans and initiatives
which effectively address the drug problem.
It was learned that a
workable feedback mechanism on these implemented programs is likewise
expected to be provided for by the said commission.
The commission’s
composition will be appointed by the governor who would sit as
chairperson with the Provincial Board’s chairman on the committee on
public order, human rights and protective services as the
vice-chairperson.
Other members would
include the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional
Director, PNP Provincial Director, Provincial Social Worker Officer,
Provincial Health Officer, Leyte Schools Division Superintendent,
Parole, Pardon and Probation Provincial Director, and representatives
from a civic group and youth sector.
