Drug Awareness Drives Reach Pharmacists, Fisherfolk in Zamboanga Sibugay

Daphne Santuyo

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – Sibugay office stepped up community-based drug prevention efforts in Zamboanga Sibugay with separate information and education activities for pharmacists and fisherfolk on February 6 and 7, 2026.

On February 7, personnel headed by IA V Cielito E. Llano, Provincial Officer, served as guest speakers during the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar of the Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc. (PPhA), Zamboanga Sibugay Chapter, held at the Casemea Hotel in Ipil.

The activity gathered practicing pharmacists from across the province and focused on strengthening their role in drug abuse prevention and workplace safety. IA I Dharyll Iann C. Pasagad, Assistant Provincial Officer, delivered a lecture on the Drug-Free Workplace Program, emphasizing legal compliance, preventive measures, and the shared responsibility of health professionals in promoting drug-free environments.

Meanwhile, on February 6, at around 10:00 a.m., a separate lecture and awareness seminar was conducted for fisherfolk in the Municipality of Talusan. The activity was carried out under the supervision of Llano in coordination with the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC), led by Chairperson Rodrigo M. Daligdig, and with the support of the Mayor’s Office.

The seminar aimed to educate fisherfolk on the identification and proper handling of floating packages of shabu that may be encountered at sea or along coastal areas. Participants were briefed on safety precautions, the dangers posed by illegal drugs, and the correct reporting and response procedures should such items be discovered.

PO Llano said, the twin activities reflect the government’s sustained efforts to engage both professional groups and coastal communities in the fight against illegal drugs, recognizing their critical role in early detection, reporting, and prevention.