November 20, 2024 — Colegio de Kidapawan hosted an impactful Anti-Illegal Drug Symposium and Orientation on Drug-Free Workplace Policy, marking a significant initiative spearheaded by the Cotabato Provincial Government under the leadership of Hon. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza. Held at the CdK Gymnasium, the event received collaborative support from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), reflecting a unified commitment to combat the pervasive dangers of drug abuse.
Hon. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, Provincial Governor of Cotabato, graced the event and delivered a stirring message that resonated deeply with the students. A staunch advocate for youth development, Governor Taliño-Mendoza urged the students to avoid experimenting with love and drugs and instead focus on their education to help prevent issues such as insecurity, violence, mental health struggles, and suicide.
“Study hard to reach your goals and make your parents proud,” she encouraged, reinforcing the mantra of “Serbisyong Totoo,” which embodies her administration’s commitment to genuine public service and community well-being.
Moreover, Ma’am Ella Taliño-Taray, a pilot, expressed her full support for the symposium. She emphasized that ensuring a drug-free workplace is not the responsibility of one person alone but of the entire community.
Colegio de Kidapawan expressed its immense gratitude to Honorable Governor Taliño-Mendoza for her presence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the campaign against illegal drugs, as well as her efforts to create positive impacts in communities.
Support from local governance was also evident, with Kidapawan City Councilors Hon. Roshell Gantuangco, Hon. Aying Pagal, and Hon. Judith Navarra actively participating in the symposium. Their involvement underscored a collective effort to address the pressing issue of drug abuse at the community level.
Meanwhile, Madam Janice Marie R. Mearns-Martinez, President of Colegio de Kidapawan, emphasized the critical importance of fostering a drug-free workplace. In her address, she highlighted that a safe and healthy environment is essential not only for students but also for the entire faculty and staff. Her remarks framed the symposium as a vital step toward creating a community where education and personal development can flourish, free from the threats posed by illegal drugs.
The symposium featured a series of interactive lectures designed to enlighten attendees about the realities of drug abuse. Agent Rexus Gutierrez led an informative session on drug identification, equipping participants with the knowledge to recognize various substances and the risks associated with them. Following this, Agent Belle Flores from the PDEA Cotabato Provincial Office elaborated on the salient provisions of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These presentations provided attendees with a solid understanding of the legal framework surrounding drug abuse and the consequences of non-compliance.
The Anti-Illegal Drug Symposium at Colegio de Kidapawan was a resounding success, aligning with the vision of a safer, drug-free environment for students and staff. With collective efforts and resolute leadership, especially from Governor Taliño Mendoza and her administration, the event has set a foundation for ongoing awareness and education about the dangers of drug abuse, reinforcing a culture of integrity and health within the community. The commitment to “Serbisyong Totoo” continues to pave the way for progress and positive change in Cotabato.
Anchored in SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, the symposium promoted drug abuse prevention and the protection of students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It also supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by cultivating safer school communities and strengthening awareness of responsible citizenship. The collaboration among the Cotabato Provincial Government, Colegio de Kidapawan, PDEA, DILG, PNP, and local government officials further reflects SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating how united action can create meaningful and lasting change.
