PDEA cites Celso’s aid to anti-drug drive

03/12/2009 08:20

Students from the ZCHS-West dance to the tune of "Nobody, nobody but you" dedicated to Mayor Celso Lobregat during a program culminating the observance of Anti-Drug Abuse and Prevention Month at the Baliwasan grandstand Wednesday afternoon. Other personalities who graced the program were Elbert Atilano, Josephine Pareja, Dr. Rodel Agbulos and PDEA Chief Adzhar Albani. (JOEY BAUTISTA)

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Chief Adzhar Albani has commended the leadership of Mayor Celso Lobregat for the city government’s continuing support to anti-drug campaign.

This, as almost a thousand students, government employees and other sectors participated in the culminating activity for the Anti-Drug Abuse Prevention Month 2009 held at the Baliwasan grandstand yesterday afternoon.

Albani during the program that reeled off with a motorcade from the city proper to the grandstand, said the city government under Lobregat’s leadership has contributed over P3 million to PDEA’s anti-drug activities during the last three years.

The city’s support and assistance played a very essential role in the realization of PDEA’s vision and mission specifically in curbing the proliferation of prohibited drugs.

The city government in coordination with the PDEA regional office has spearheaded activities in line with the anti-drug month celebration last November. The culminating activity yesterday was highlighted by the awarding of winners to the poster making competition.

Meanwhile, Lobregat vowed to continuously pursue the city’s aid to anti-drug campaigns stressing that it is also the mission of his administration to keep Zamboanga free from drugs.

In 2008, the PDEA in Manila conferred Lobregat with the Most Outstanding Local Government unit award for exemplary support to the government’s campaign against drugs.

Participants to the culminating activity yesterday were students from the Zamboanga City High School West, Zamboanga City Polytechnic College, Western Mindanao State University and employees from the city government.

Also present during the event at the grandstand were some aspirants for the City Council in 2010 such as Kaizer Olaso, Josephine Pareja and Elbert Atilano all of District I and Mike Alavar and Percival Ramos of District 2, Albani, City Health Officer Rodel Agbulos, school administrators and other city officials. (Sheila Covarrubias)