Photo courtesy of PDEA-BARMM.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro region (PDEA-BARMM) awarded three local government units on Monday for their successful implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program.
PDEA-BARMM Regional Director Edgar Jubay conferred the “Balangay Seal of Excellence” to Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao del Sur, and Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte.
Mayor Rasul Sangki received the award for Ampatuan, recognizing the municipality’s efforts to sustain drug-cleared barangays through community-focused programs.
Mayor Akmad Ampatuan accepted the seal on behalf of Shariff Aguak, which was commended for preventive education campaigns and programs supporting the reintegration of former drug users.
For Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte Vice Governor Datu Marshall Sinsuat and Mayor Bai Raida Sinsuat received the award for maintaining the town’s drug-free status.
Jubay said the recognition highlights PDEA’s growing collaboration with local government units and their shared goal of promoting safe, drug-free communities across the region.
He also noted that over half of Lanao del Sur’s 1,165 villages have been cleared of illegal drugs under similar programs, reflecting the agency’s sustained efforts.
PDEA-BARMM said the awards aim to encourage other municipalities to adopt similar initiatives and strengthen community-based approaches to drug prevention and rehabilitation.
