Ilocos Sur is one of the six hundred forty-eight (648) local government units (LGUs) that were recognized during the second 2019 National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Awards for its efforts in ensuring a drug-free community by complementing the national government’s anti-illegal drugs program through local ADACs. This milestone wrapped up the combined effort of the officials, uniformed men, and the people of Ilocos Sur to eradicate illegal drugs in Ilocos Sur, said Governor Ryan Singson during the presentation of the award during the Joint PPOC-PADAC-PDRRMC Meeting 1st Quarter2020 held at the Plaza Maestro Convention Center. According to the Department of Interior and Local Government list, 648 ADAC awardees, 155 LGUs got perfect scores in the performance audit or ideal, while 493 LGUs garnered high ADAC functionality scores between 85-99 with an adjectival rating of high functionality. Plaques of commendation were given to both ADACs with perfect scores and high functionality scores. Of the 155 LGUs with perfect scores in the 2018 ADAC functionality audit, 38 are from Region 1, 18 from Region II, and 15 each from Regions III and XI. This is followed by 14 awardees in Region X and 13 awardees in Region IVA. The DILG serves as the chairperson of the Anti-Drug Abuse Council-National Audit Team which conducted the national calibration and corroborate the audit results of the ADAC performance audit. Other members of the team are representatives from the Dangerous Drugs Board, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine National Police, and Caritas Manila as civil society representatives. Per DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-208, the 2019 National ADAC Performance Award is given to an LGU with high ADAC functionality scores which have maintained or decreased its drug affectations as reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). The criteria used in measuring the performance of the ADACs are as follows: organized local ADAC; conduct of quarterly meetings; allocation of funds; implementation of ADAC plans and programs; support to ADACs in component LGUs; and innovations.
Governor Ryan Singson immediately alerted the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur to packed necessities as relief assistance that will be sent to areas affected of the eruption. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office deployed teams in bringing the goods, such as bottled water, canned goods, instant noodles, blankets, clothes etc. for the people of Batangas. Related to this, Board Member Efren Rafanan proposed a resolution, which was approved by the Provincial Board, requesting the provincial government to lead a donation campaign for the victims of the volcano's eruption. Through this resolution, the people of Ilocos Sur had also donated some items for the victims. The PDRRMO of Ilocos Sur coordinated with its counterparts in the provinces of Batangas and Laguna in order to identify the areas in need of assistance.
With a balance career as a public servant, a father, husband and a learner Governor Ryan Singson successfully completed the Health Leadership & Governance Course by Zuellig Family Foundation and the Department of Health. His completion was just 4 months after his graduation of Master of Arts in Public Administration at the Open University of the University of Northern Philippines. “At last I had completed this course, and my dream to give the best healthcare to everyone here in Ilocos Sur will follow right after this,” said Gov. Ryan. Thru this, Governor Ryan Singson now has a better knowledge to a systematic health reform, and easier for him to achieve his targets towards greater health related programs for the province. The Health Leadership and Governance Course underscore the importance of health leadership and governance in establishing and sustaining pro-poor healthcare systems and policies.