MOISES Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña of Negros Occidental was recognized for his efforts in the campaign against illegal drugs.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Director General Isidro Lapeña awarded the mayor the “PDEA Badge with the Best Compliments” on December 5 for his active role in eliminating the drug problem in the province.
Peña, a PDEA consultant, turned over to Lapeña the initial P3 million financial assistance from the Negros Occidental Association of Chief Executives.
Lapeña lauded the mayors who gave their commitment to the cause and for the financial assistance they contributed for the rehabilitation of the PDEA office and purchase of equipment and vehicles for an improved mobilization during operations.
Peña held a dialogue on the illegal drug campaign with leaders of the business sector in Negros Occidental on November 29.
On December 3, Peña then sent a letter to Frank Carbon, chief executive officer Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce, Alfredo Barcelona, president of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Henry Uy, chairman of the Amity Club, and John Yap, president of Southern Negros Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Lucio Chua, president of Northern Negros Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
He asked the business leaders if they are amenable to the proposal of conducting random drug tests among its employees, from the grassroots up to managerial level.
The proposal earned a positive response from the business sector.