By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Schools Division of Iloilo formalized a partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and drug enforcement agencies through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at enhancing anti-drug campaigns in schools. The agreement was signed on October 16 at Luna St., La Paz, Iloilo City.
Key officials in attendance included PCol. Bayani M. Razalan, Provincial Director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (PNP-IPPO); PCol. Jose Roy M. Torrecilla, Commander of the Special Operations Unit 6 from the Drug Enforcement Group; Col. Jonathan C. Gayas, Commander of the 6th Regional Community Defense Group; and Dr. Ernesto F. Servillon, Superintendent of the Schools Division of Iloilo.
In an interview, Dr. Servillon highlighted the initiative’s goal: “We aim to prevent drugs from entering schools and efficiently implement activities with the support of partnered agencies like the PNP and the units in charge of drug enforcement. This includes capacity building for teachers, advocacy activities for stakeholders such as parents, and the integration of PNP drug enforcement modules into GMRC books.”
He added that this is the first MOA of its kind for Iloilo Province, with training set to begin in November.
Servillon also mentioned that drug-related incidents in schools have been minimal, with only one reported case involving a 16-year-old Grade 9 student at Abangay National High School in Janiuay, Iloilo.
On September 4, the student was found in possession of a plastic sachet containing suspected illegal drugs during a classroom inspection.
The student was subsequently provided with modular classes.
“The student is presumed innocent while the trial is ongoing and is currently under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). As part of the intervention, he has received psychological first aid and is undergoing counseling,” Servillon stated.
He emphasized that prevention efforts are the focus, noting that while there was a previous drug education program, this new collaboration aims to enhance those initiatives.
The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Iloilo reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs.
PCol. Razalan also underscored the importance of the partnership, stating that law enforcement’s role goes beyond maintaining security to educating students and teachers about the dangers of illegal drugs.
“This agreement strengthens our commitment to ensuring that schools are safe environments where students can learn and thrive, free from the influence of drugs. We will provide speakers and support, including intervention strategies and information on involved personnel if issues arise,” Razalan said.
