THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region through its Health Promotion Unit, in partnership with the Provincial Government of La Union and La Union National High School (LUNHS), officially launched the Consultative Major Health Event: Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week on November 19, 2025, at the LUNHS campus in San Fernando City.
This regional event brought together major health institutions and government agencies—including Region 1 Medical Center, Conrado F. Estrella Regional Medical and Trauma Center, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, Ilocos Sur Medical Center, Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, the Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center–Dagupan, Treatment and Rehabilitation Center–La Union, the Department of Education, the Provincial Health Office of La Union, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 1, and various youth organizations. United under the Bagong Pilipinas framework, these groups reaffirmed their commitment to a health-based, community-driven, and prevention-focused approach to drug abuse.
This year’s theme, “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Kalusugan ay Pinapahalagahan, Droga ay Inaayawan,” the placed young people at the heart of drug abuse prevention wherein students from La Union National High School delivered a striking speech choir performance, showcasing their creativity and conviction as they highlighted the importance of awareness, informed choices, and early intervention in keeping communities safe. Cash prizes were also given to winners of the contest.
“Our young people are not just participants; they are champions of a healthier future,” said Assistant Regional Director Pretchell Tolentino, who led the launching activity. “Drug abuse affects not only the individual but also their families, schools, and entire communities. When we empower the youth, we strengthen our defenses against the harmful effects of drugs,” she emphasized.
Tolentino also reported significant gains in the region’s ongoing campaign against drug abuse stating that only 6.7% of barangays in the Ilocos Region remain drug-affected, a milestone that underscores the effectiveness of sustained prevention programs, strong inter-agency partnerships, and increased community engagement.
“This is a testament to what we can achieve when health leaders, educators, local governments, and communities stand together,” Dr. Tolentino emphasized. “A drug-free Ilocos is possible—and we are getting closer every day.”
The week-long observance, from November 17-19, 2025, various activities such as youth education sessions, health promotion caravans, community dialogues, and capability-building workshops were conducted across the region with the support of LGUs and partner agencies with the objective of reinforcing drug abuse as a public health issue, promoting resilience among young people, and cultivating environments where healthy decisions become the norm.
“A drug-free community can only be built through shared responsibility and through powerful partnerships and proactive education, we are laying down the foundation of a safer, healthier, and more resilient Ilocos Region,” Tolentino added.
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