DILG Calls for Improved ADAC Performance in Region 8 

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 8 has raised the bar for local governance by directly linking Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) performance to Eastern Visayas’ economic stability and investment potential. This message took center stage during the 2025 ADAC Performance Audit Phase 2, conducted by the Regional Audit Committee (RAC) on November 6–7, 2025, at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City. 

The audit—which spans six provinces, one Highly Urbanized City, and one Independent Component City—aims to measure how effectively local ADACs are implementing, sustaining, and institutionalizing anti-illegal drug initiatives across the region. 

The RAC is composed of key regional representatives from the DILG, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Candahug Liberation. Together, they evaluated LGUs using eight major performance indicators that reflect both operational and strategic anti-drug measures. 

These indicators include: Reconstitution and organization of Local ADACs, Regular convening of ADAC meetings, Allocation of sufficient local funds, Implementation of anti-illegal drug plans and programs, Support to component ADACs, Supervision and monitoring of barangay drug-clearing efforts, Availability of rehabilitation and reintegration mechanisms, Integrity and overall governance responsiveness. 

This framework ensures that LGUs are assessed not just on compliance but on consistent leadership and community impact. 

DILG 8 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe acknowledged the progress of many local governments but stressed the urgent need to uplift LGUs that still fall under the “low functional” category. He reiterated that the Department’s responsibility goes beyond auditing—DILG must mentor, guide, and capacitate LGUs to fulfill their duties effectively. 

Director Agabe reminded Local Chief Executives (LCEs) to submit their remaining requirements and highlighted that ADAC performance now carries broader implications. 

“An LGU’s anti-drug performance reflects its governance credibility, its ability to safeguard its citizens, and its resilience as a community,” he said. He further emphasized that a highly functional ADAC is a mark of a local government that “chooses courage over complacency, leadership over silence, and service over convenience.” 

In a strong message linking public safety to investment growth, Director Agabe underscored that visible, tangible anti-drug initiatives inspire confidence—not only among citizens but also among potential investors. 

“When people feel safe and see concrete action, investor confidence grows,” he said. “Peace and order is not just a requirement for development—it is its foundation.” 

Through the ADAC Functionality Audit, DILG Region 8 aims to strengthen accountability and ensure that LGUs maintain holistic, sustainable approaches to combating illegal drugs. By reinforcing local systems and supporting continuous improvement, the Department seeks to build a drug-free, peaceful, and economically vibrant Eastern Visayas where communities thrive and long-term development can flourish.