CANDELARIA, Zambales — The Municipality of Candelaria, Zambales received its Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) marker and citation for 100% compliance on SubayBAYAN portal implementation on February 23, 2022.

DILG Zambales Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad conferred the citation after Candelaria was assessed for the 2021 National Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Award and garnered a score of 95 functional points during the conduct of the 2020 ADAC Performance Audit, and the Regional Awarding Ceremony of the Best Performing Local Government Units (LGUs) in Central Luzon.

Candelaria is the first municipality in the province of Zambales to be declared as drug-cleared in 2019. Following this, the municipality sustained its effort in the performance of is responsibilities in support of the national government’s anti-illegal drug campaign, leading to its receipt of the coveted marker for year 2021.

On the other hand, the municipality was also awarded with a Regional Certificate of Recognition for achieving 100% compliance rating in updating the SubayBAYAN Portal System for 2016-2020 DILG Locally Funded Projects.

PD Bactad congratulated Mayor Byron Jones E. Edquilang and the team involved in the implementation of programs, specifying that the Municipality of Candelaria, together with San Marcelino, are the only local government units of Zambales that were awarded with the ADAC marker.

She added that the Municipality of Candelaria is observed to be consistent in its notable performance not only in the anti-illegal drug campaign, but also in implementing the DILG Locally Funded Projects and other programs of the Department.

With this, Bactad emphasized the role of the DILG in providing the necessary technical assistance, along with the awards and recognition, through the Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs).

            Mayor Edquilang extended his gratitude to PD Bactad, Cluster Team Leader Judith B. Romero and ADAC Provincial Focal Person Maharlina Tejada for the award.

He likewise thanked MLGOO Milaflor A. Torcadilla, Chief of Police Police Lieutenant Pablo G. Aggabao, and Geronimo D.Marce Jr. and the other key players in the implementation and monitoring of the programs for the technical assistance that led Candelaria in achieving high performance ratings.

As a commitment, Mayor Edquilang assured his continued support to these programs, which the late Hon. Mayor Napoleon E. Edquid has likewise extended in the implementation of the same. — Milaflor A. Torcadilla