Iloilo nears drug-free status, honors top anti-drug councils

ILOILO CITY — The province of Iloilo is close to achieving a drug-free status, reporting a 99.94 percent drug-cleared rating across its 1,721 barangays, with only one barangay remaining affected, according to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Iloilo Provincial Officer Nicolas Gomez.

Gomez reported the milestone during the 4th Quarter Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) meeting at Sotogrande Hotel. He noted the coordinated efforts of the provincial government, law enforcement agencies, and local anti-drug councils in municipalities and cities.

PADAC recognized municipal and city councils that performed well in implementing local anti-drug programs through the “Search for the Best Performing Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) and City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC).” The initiative is anchored on Provincial Ordinance No. 2021-260 and aims to promote accountability and innovation in local anti-drug campaigns.

The program has received national recognition, including the 2025 Excellence in Local Governance Award for Excellence in Safety, Peace, and Order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI.

Officials stressed that sustaining vigilance is key to maintaining the province’s gains and that the milestone reflects long-term commitment to community safety, social development, and youth protection.

“With only one barangay left under the influence of illegal drugs, Iloilo shows that collective action by government, law enforcement, and communities can produce results,” Gomez said.

The provincial government pledged ongoing support for prevention programs, rehabilitation initiatives, and capacity-building to maintain Iloilo’s status as a model province in the fight for a drug-free society.