Hail, Mountain Province

PADAC holds second quarter meeting, provides update on the province's drug status

Bontoc - Members of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) convened for their second-quarter meeting in Sacangan, Bontoc, on June 17, 2026.

The meeting was presided over by Provincial Administrator John K. Likigan, together with Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Focal Person Angel B. Baybay.

During the meeting, offices and partner agencies shared updates on peace and order, anti-drug abuse prevention and control initiatives, public safety programs, and other significant developments related to the province’s anti-drug campaign.

𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗴-𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗴-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲

Agent Julius M. Calatan of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) presented updates on the province’s anti-illegal drug efforts.
According to his report, 50 of the province’s 65 drug-cleared barangays were issued resolutions retaining their drug-cleared status despite the presence of active drug personalities. Likewise, 78 of the 79 drug-free barangays were issued resolutions retaining their drug-free status under the same conditions.

Furthermore, Calatan reported that the different barangays of Mountain Province are currently undergoing validation and retention processes for Calendar Year 2026 to maintain their drug-cleared and drug-free classifications.

“The intensified checkpoints and interdiction operations of Mountain Province law enforcement units have successfully deterred drug traffickers from choosing Mountain Province as a transshipment route,” Calatan added.

𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗴 𝗲𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗷𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Police Captain Ricky Roger T. Coteng, representing the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office, and Provincial Director of Police Colonel Marcelo B. Polig shared updates on anti-drug enforcement activities conducted across the province.

According to Coteng's report, a total of six search warrants were served, three ma*****na eradication operations were conducted, and one warrant of arrest was implemented during the reporting period. All of these law enforcement activities were carried out in connection with the province’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

“We should strengthen the participation of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils in combating illegal drugs in the province. This will help in the identification and monitoring of drug personalities and ensure that drug surrenderers do not return to illegal drug activities,” Coteng suggested.

𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝗮𝗶𝗹

SJO2 Johnwyn C. Kinao, representing Mountain Province District Jail, and Acting Jail Warden John S. Melecio presented updates on jail-based anti-drug initiatives and drug-related cases involving Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

According to Kinao, six PDLs are facing cases involving the possession, sale, use, and cultivation of ma*****na, while 17 are involved in cases related to the possession of shabu. He also shared that initiatives for PDL are being done to intensify anti- drug abuse campaigns. Among these are quarterly joint greyhound operations, anti-illegal drug advocacy campaigns and symposiums, livelihood programs, mental health interventions, therapeutic community modality activities, and psychosocial drug counseling programs.

𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

Gary U. Ong, Chief of Hospital III of the Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center–Mountain Province (DATRC-MP), shared updates on the substance-use profiles of clients currently undergoing treatment.

Ong reported that the center is currently managing 11 active patients diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder. Most of these patients were admitted through admissions and court-ordered referrals. He stressed that these individuals require sustained relapse prevention interventions and comprehensive psychosocial support. Based on the data presented, Ong stated that not all patients receiving treatment for methamphetamine use disorder are residents of Mountain Province, as some come from neighboring provinces to seek treatment at the facility.

Moreover, Ong also reported that, in response to increasing alcohol-related concerns, the center has expanded its services to include treatment for individuals with alcohol use disorder. At present, the center provides primary care services to six patients with alcohol use disorder and facility-based rehabilitation services to one patient.

Meanwhile, PPOC Focal Person Angel B. Baybay said the council continues to support anti-drug efforts among member agencies and partner institutions in the province, noting that there are still areas that need improvement and that the council will continue working to strengthen its anti-drug initiative.

PCPC Mountain Province holds 2nd Quarter Meeting, boosts child-friendly initiatives

Bontoc - In a continuing effort to strengthen the commitment of the different stakeholders to advance children's rights and welfare, the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) conducted its 2nd Quarter Meeting and Capacity-Building Activity at the Challeya Centrum in the capital town on June 17, 2026.

The meeting was presided over by Executive Assistant Rolando B. Bragado on behalf of PCPC Chairperson, Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr.

In his opening remarks, Bragado underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in fostering a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for every child.

As part of the capacity-building activity, participants engaged in discussions, orientations, and workshops focused on integrating children's rights and welfare into local governance and development planning processes.

Maricel Aquision of the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC)-CAR provided an overview of the PCPC, highlighting its legal basis, mandate, and functions. She emphasized the crucial role of the council members in promoting child-friendly governance, safeguarding children's rights, and addressing child protection concerns at the local level.

Meanwhile, Joyce Paysa of RSCWC-CAR discussed key planning and monitoring tools, including the Local Development Plan for Children (LDPC), Local Investment Plan for Children (LIPC), and Local State of Children's Report (LCSR). She stressed the importance of these mechanisms in identifying priority programs, ensuring adequate budget allocation, and strengthening child-focused interventions.

Paysa also highlighted the need to align local initiatives with national policies to effectively promote child survival, development, protection, and participation.

Participants likewise revisited the provisions of the Local Code for Children, emphasizing the importance of responsive and child-friendly legislation that protects children's rights and supports their overall well-being.

The activity further served as an avenue for council members and stakeholders to enhance their knowledge and strengthen their commitment to implementing programs and policies that advance the best interests of children across the province.

In this regard, the council members expressed their steadfast commitment to championing children's rights and welfare through strengthened partnerships, responsive programs, and continuous capacity development initiatives.

The meeting concluded with renewed commitments from council members to work collectively to ensure that every child in the province is protected, empowered, and given opportunities to thrive.

CFB Marketing donates more hospital equipment

LOOK | The CFB Marketing and General Merchandise donated one unit of medical cart and two units of 2-crank mechanical beds to the Barlig District Hospital at the Provincial Capitol Quadrangle on June 17, 2026.

​The hospital equipment were given through a deed of donation between the CFB Marketing and the Office of Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. in coordination with the Provincial Health Office.

Governor Lacwasan expressed his gratitude to the CFB Marketing and General Merchandise for the donations that will benefit the recipient hospitals and the constituents they serve. He said that the donations will help enhance the delivery of quality care services of the recipient hospital.

"Thank you for investing in the enhancement of our hospital services. We look forward to a continued partnership with you," Lacwasan said.

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Happy birthday, PD Anthony Manolo I. Ballug! Wishing you a year filled with good health and more success.

CFB donates hospital equipment to Besao District Hospital

​Bontoc, Mountain Province — The CFB Marketing and General Merchandise donated two units of medical equipment to the Besao District Hospital (BDH) during a brief ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Quadrangle, Poblacion, Bontoc, on June 17, 2026.

​The equipment—consisting of one emergency transport bed and one medical cart—was donated to the Provincial Government through the Office of Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., and in coordination with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) to benefit the district hospital and the constituents it serve.

​Charito F. Bacullo, proprietress of CFB Marketing and General Merchandise/CFB Drug Inc., personally led the turnover to the BDH staff.

​According to Bacullo, CFB aims to support and strengthen the capabilities of public medical facilities by providing essential equipment and ensuring that accessible, efficient, and high-quality healthcare services are delivered to the community.

On behalf of the Provincial Government, Governor Lacwasan expressed his gratitude to the the CFB Marketing and General Merchandise family for the donations as it will benefit the recipient hospitals and the constituents they serve.

"We are lucky to receive blessings from the generous donor. On our part, we will make sure that the donated equipment will be used solely for public health and hospital services purposes. The PHO will oversee the proper custody and utilization of the donated items," Lacwasan said.

​The turnover ceremony was witnessed by personnel from the Office of the Provincial General Services Officer (PGSO) and the Office of the Provincial Governor.

Mountain Province PDRRMC adopts plans, levels up disaster preparedness in 2nd quarter meeting

​Bontoc, Mountain Province — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) held its regular second-quarter meeting today, June 16, to strengthen disaster readiness and advance resilience programs in the province.

​Executive Assistant Ernesto Bondad, representing Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., presided over the meeting held at the Governor Leonard G. Mayaen Sports Center. PDRRM Officer Edward F. Chumawar, Jr., co-chaired the session.

​A highlight of the meeting was the adoption of updated contingency plans for tropical cyclones and a magnitude 7.2 earthquake. Designed to ensure a fast and coordinated response, the plans aim to protect lives, property, and livelihoods. Targets include warning all high-risk households within four hours, completing full evacuations within 12 hours, pre-positioning emergency supplies, securing evacuation centers, and conducting damage assessments within 48 hours after the danger passes.

​The council also approved the minutes of its January 2026 meeting and the 2025 performance reports of member agencies.

Moreover, the council, through the Office of the PDRRMO, gave updates on the Climate and Disaster Risk Data Platform, the climate-resilient water security program, the Climate Field School, and the qualified barangays for the 2025 Zero Forest Fire Incentive Program.

​Preparations for the 2026 Gawad Kalasag Seal were also discussed. Per Cordillera Regional DRRMC Memorandum No. 43, s. 2026, all local councils are advised to begin preparations to qualify for the national recognition. In addition, the group reviewed related policies and discussed upcoming activities lined up for National Disaster Resilience Month.

The Provincial Government of Mountain Province joins the Municipality of Paracelis in the celebration of their 64th Founding Anniversary.

CONGRATULATIONS!

The Provincial Local Government Unit of Mountain Province and all the province's 10 Municipal Local Government Units are national passers of the 2025 Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH).

The GFH is an annual assessment by the Department of the Interior and Local Government evaluating local government units on transparency, accountability, and responsible fiscal management.

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Source: DILG Cordillera