Lopez turns anti-drug campaign toward youth during Linggo ng Kabataan

By Rowena T. Cruz A youth participant engages a police officer during Lopez’s Anti-Illegal Drug Talk for Linggo ng Kabataan. (LGU Lopez...

By Rowena T. Cruz

A youth participant engages a police officer during Lopez’s Anti-Illegal Drug Talk for Linggo ng Kabataan. (LGU Lopez)

LOPEZ, Quezon — Drug prevention moved directly into the town’s youth agenda as Lopez held a recent Anti-Illegal Drug Talk during its Linggo ng Kabataan observance. Police personnel, health officials and young Lopezeños joined the activity, which focused on keeping the youth away from illegal drugs and other harmful activities.

Mayor Isaias “Sonny” Ubana II called for sustained local action that would give young people stronger protection against drug exposure and risky behavior. His message stressed that prevention should remain part of the municipality’s continuing effort to maintain peaceful, safe and healthy communities.

Ubana placed particular emphasis on guiding young people before illegal drugs begin affecting their choices, health and future. He also urged local officials, families and community partners to keep prevention programs active beyond one-time youth activities.

“Patuloy nating gabayan ang ating mga kabataan upang mailayo sila sa ilegal na droga at sa mga gawaing maaaring makasira sa kanilang kinabukasan,” Ubana said. “Responsibilidad nating bigyan sila ng ligtas, mapayapa at malusog na komunidad kung saan maaari silang lumaki nang may tamang pagpapasya at malasakit sa kapwa.”

Municipal Administrator Williard Tabien delivered Ubana’s message on the mayor’s behalf during the program instead of the mayor addressing the gathering personally. Police, health personnel and other local officials then carried much of the direct discussion with participants on drug prevention and public safety.

Councilor Adrian Donald Segui, chair of the Sangguniang Bayan committee on peace and order and a member of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council, also addressed the gathering. His participation connected the youth activity with the municipality’s anti-drug and peace-and-order efforts, particularly programs centered on prevention and community participation.

Police and health officials discussed the dangers associated with illegal drugs while encouraging young people to recognize risks and make informed choices. Their participation combined law enforcement and health education in one discussion, giving participants a broader view of the consequences of drug involvement.

The activity also underscored the municipality’s effort to involve young people directly in discussions on drugs, health and public safety. Bringing police, health workers and local officials into one forum gave participants a clearer view of both the risks of drug use and the support available to them.