CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) has formally recognized the police provincial offices of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Rizal, including the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 4A, as drug-free workplaces.
In ceremonies held at Camp Vicente Lim on November 6, drug-free markers were unveiled which highlights the commitment, discipline and dedication of Calabarzon’s police officers in upholding their sworn duties in getting rid of illegal drugs.
The DDB has previously conferred the drug-free workplace distinction to the PRO IV-A in April 2024, and to the Quezon Police Provincial Office in September 2024, making PNP Calabarzon the first police regional office in the country to be recognized as a fully drug-free workplace.
Joining the event were DDB Executive Director USec Earl Saavedra, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) IV-A Regional Director Atty. Jacquelyn De Guzman and Police Regional Office IV-A officials.
“All eyes are in this PRO, and people from different parts of the country are looking here, especially in terms of strengthening and deepening the police organization’s commitment to our overall anti-drug agenda. Region IV-A is not only an exemplary PRO, it also demonstrates that this office is fully functional and has implemented a state-of-the-art drug initiative that we are truly proud of,” Saavedra said.
In his message, Saavedra emphasized the importance of maintaining drug-free police stations to ensure that officers adhere and properly implement policies, in line with the national government’s Philippine Anti-Illegal Drug Strategy.
“The direction of our drug-free workplace program, particularly in the aspect of treatment and rehabilitation, follows a ‘no-wrong-entry-door policy’ for every intervention provided. Why do we reiterate this? Because we want to demonstrate to the public that our approach to drug abuse prevention and the government’s overall agenda is rights-based,” the executive director added.
The DDB likewise recognized force multipliers like barangay tanods who support the government’s anti-illegal drugs agenda at the grassroots level.
For Eduardo Kempis, 60, team leader of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team of Barangay 4, Lucena City, the recognition they received is an important validation in keeping their duties and responsibilities in supporting crime prevention goals and promoting public order and safety within their jurisdiction.
“We are grateful because, as small public servants in our government, we have been given the opportunity to receive an award. They recognized the service we have been providing to our barangay,” Kempis said. (CO/PIA-4A)
