Anti-drugs plays abolished

CEBU, Philippines - Local performances that go around Cebu City bringing messages against drug abuse might not be seen as often this year due to budget concerns.

The funds for drug mitigation plays, as the performances are termed, in 2013 has been slashed from the annual budget of the City Office on Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP), city hall consultant Leonardo Chiu told reporters.

The performances got a zero budget since January.

“We could not sustain to pay our talents for their performances because we had no budget,” he added.

Each performers, according to Chiu, were paid P12,000 a month.

The team was composed of one director, Jun Tumulak, and about 30 performers.

The city consultant expressed dismay that the performances had to be stopped.

“Based on post-performance assessments, the plays were effective because the audience understood the message. And there was reduction on drug abuse in the city because of the drama,” Chiu explained.

Since the city could no longer hire professional performers including the director, he said he will take over in directing the future plays.

Before becoming Mayor Michael Rama’s consultant, Chiu used to be a Visayan film director. — /JPM (FREEMAN)