CLAVERIA, Masbate (PIA) -- Police in this remote town in the island province of Masbate has organized basketball clinics to anchor their anti-drug campaign.

The Claveria municipal police simply tapped basketball officials in their home visits and urged parents to allow their children to join a weekend basketball clinic.

“The fight against drugs starts with the young and the community so we ask parents to send their schoolchildren to our basketball camps because sports is a natural antidote against illegal drug abuse, said Police Master Sgt. Allan Buotan, lead organizer of the “Palaboys” sports camp.

Buotan, who also heads the Police Community Affairs and Development unit of the Claveria police, said he and officials of the local chapter of Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) knocked on the doors of houses and explain to parents how their sports clinic can help their children. 

Last Saturday, at least 20 boys took part in the basketball clinic held at the municipal covered court where they were taught ball handling, shooting, passing, defense and other skills.  

King Dave Pable,14, said attendance in future clinics is expected to swell because they continue to entice their friends and relatives from distant villages to join.

Ruer Anthony dela Cruz, 13, said he will not get involved in illegal drugs because he wants to make it to the Naga College Foundation basketball team.

“Imposible po matupad ang pangarap ko kung mag drugs ako (It is impossible to fulfill my dream if I take drugs),” he added.

Alfred Jacob Avecilla II said his ambition is to play in a collegiate league and eventually become a professional basketball player. “Makapaglaro hindi lamang sa college varsity kundi sa

Philippine Basketball Association  ang pangarap ko po kaya pananatilihin kung drug-free at disiplinado ang aking katawan dahil kailangan po sa competitive sports (My dream is to play not only in the college varsity but in the Philippine Basketball Association, so I will keep my body drug-free and disciplined because it is necessary for competitive sports).”

Aside from fostering awareness of the dangers of drug use, the basketball clinic aims to promote faith in God as a means to find happiness and meaning in life.

“Pastors Jessie Talisic and Jannifer Santuele granted my request to them to preach spiritual values before the start of the drills,” Buotan said. (PIA 5/Masbate)