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28 MUNTINLUPA CITY
More Than a Program, a Crusade
CRUSADA – Crusade Against Drug Abuse
THERE is often apathy towards drug abuse, and it may be an attitude
arising from lack of awareness. Or, since the problem has persisted for
years, it may be a form of resignation. But Muntinlupa City would not
countenance giving up.
Abuse and Apathy
The extent of Muntinlupa City’s drug problem is reflected in the 2001
statistics: 232 users and 118 pushers arrested, 209 grams of shabu
confiscated, and 296 cases filed.
And that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Adding to the problem was general public apathy. In workplaces,
drug abuse was tolerated. In schools, minors were vulnerable to pushers
and to peer pressure. Some parents of drug dependents were in a state
of denial.
Goal and Approach
City Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi wanted Muntinlupa to be drug-free by
year 2010, so in 2002 he launched an anti-illegal drugs campaign he
called Crusada. Since the city lacked a more stable law enforcement
and advocacy office to lead the anti-drug campaign, the city council
passed an ordinance creating the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control
Office (DAPCO) to become the implementer of the campaign.
The campaign’s approach is holistic. It covers education and
information, laboratory testing (including random drug testing of city
government employees), treatment and rehabilitation, and enforcement.
Areas of operation are the communities, schools and workplaces.
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