The municipality of Balasan has intensified its anti-illegal drugs campaign with the launch of “Paghiusa,” a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at strengthening community participation and reinforcing drug-free governance at the local level.
“Paghiusa,” a Hiligaynon term meaning unity and shared responsibility, brings together the local government unit (LGU), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Balasan Municipal Police Station in promoting sustained public discourse and cooperation against illegal drugs.
As part of the initiative, PDEA Iloilo Provincial Officer Nicolas Gomez conducted an orientation for local officials on the requirements and compliance standards needed to maintain a drug-free barangay status.
The provincial officer also emphasized the importance of proper documentation and strict adherence to guidelines to sustain the designation.
The initial rollout included random drug testing in five barangays—Balanti-an, Kinalkalan, Mamhut Sur, Mamhut Norte, and Pani-an.
In parallel, elective and appointive officials from the remaining 18 barangays also underwent screening, bringing the total number of participants from barangay-level offices to 308 individuals.
In addition, 62 LGU officials and personnel were subjected to drug testing during the first phase of implementation.
According to a statement from DILG-Balasan, “Paghiusa is not a one-day program. It is a continuing commitment that unity must be matched with action, and that drug-free governance must be upheld through discipline, transparency, and shared responsibility.”
The municipal government said it aims to expand the program to more barangays in the coming months as part of its continuing effort to strengthen accountability and sustain a drug-free community in Balasan.IMT
