The municipality of Cervantes is now one of the 15 municipalities in province of Ilocos Sur declared by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as Drug-Free. It was in October 9, 2019 that Cervantes received the certificate by the municipal officials headed by Hon. Pablito Benjamin P. Maggay II. Furthermore, the program was witnessed by all barangay captains and barangay secretaries, school heads and municipal employees.
The guests from the different agencies had congratulated Cervantes for complying with one of the President’s priority program, to eradicate illegal drugs in the Philippines. Deputy Dir. Gen. Ricardo S. Santiago, PDEA National Head Quarters: James F. Fadrilan, CESO III- Regional Director DILG RO1: Bryan B. Babang, Regional Director PDEA RO1: Virgilio P. Sison, CESE- Provincial Director DILG: AI III Anabel F. Cabarles, Provincial Director PDEA: Hon. Benjamin N. Maggay, SPM: Hon. Constante V. Benzon, Provincial Liga president were the guests who joined and shared inspiring messages and encouragement to all Cervantenians to sustain the record and avoid engaging in illegal drugs. This accomplishment, if sustained, is for the future generations.
One of the requirements set by the PDEA to be declared as Drug-Free municipality is the “Balay Silangan”. An in-house program for the rehabilitation of PWUDs, Person who uses drugs. It was also inaugurated the same day by the honoured guest with the municipal officials and Pastor Alfredo Bogawit Sr.
