Estrada expands incentives for anti-drug drive of LGUS

President Estrada has ordered the release of P10 million from his social funds for the first presidential search for the best anti-drugs campaign among local government units (LGUs).

The fund was released in accordance with Executive Order No. 324 which the President signed this week to expand the coverage of the system of incentives and rewards for anti-drug campaigns at the local level.

The LGU anti-drugs presidential awards were limited to only three categories – best performer city, best performer municipality and best performer barangay – under EO 249, which was issued in May this year, but EO 324 added a provincial category.

Out of the P10-million allocation, national winners in all four categories will each receive P1 million cash while presidential trophies and plaques of commendation will also be awarded to deserving LGUs, according to Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Narciso Santiago Jr.

The cash prizes of P1 million for the presidential award winners will be used for the winning LGUs’ anti-drug projects such as rehabilitation and testing centers, mobility, intelligence and personnel services, among others.

The search for the best LGU anti-drug campaign, which will cover the period January 1, 1999 to September 30, 2000, will be judged by an awards committee composed of Interior Secretary Alfredo Lim, AFP chief of staff Gen. Angelo Reyes, PNP director general Panfilo Lacson and representatives from the Dangerous Drugs Board and private civic organizations.