15,000 join anti-drug abuse rally in Legazpi

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by Manny P. Solis

LEGAZPI CITY -- At least 15,000 people from various sectors joined the foot parade and rally against drug abuse here on Friday afternoon in observance of the Drug Abuse and Control Week, prompting City Mayor Noel Rosal to declare the residents of the city are up against drugs.

“This is a clear testimony that Legazpeňos are ready to fight and crack down on drug addiction in the community and make this city a drug-free locality,” he said.

Rosal was joined by Vice Mayor Vitorrio Roces and other city officials led the activity which had for its theme “A message of Hope: Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable. No to Marijuana Legalization.”

The participants included barangay officials, students from different schools and universities, police and military personnel, city government officials and employees, personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, non-government organizations, government agencies, senior citizens and women, among others.

The four-kilometer march started at the city’s downtown area in Barangay Rizal and ended at the Penaranda Park in Old Albay District.

The Drug and Prevention and Control Week is an annual activity of the city administration as part of the support to the enforcement of anti-drug abuse policies, programs and projects of the national government to keep away the people, especially the youth and minors, from the dangerous effects of illegal drugs.

Rosal expressed gratitude for the huge turnout of participants, saying, it was the biggest attendance so far in the history of the city.

He said the grand rally would serve as an information tool to the public and make them more aware of the ill effects of illegal drugs to the society and to the health of the people.

The city chief executive urged all officers and members of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) of the 70 villages of this city to strictly enforce the city’s curfew ordinance and closely monitor youth activities in their respective areas.