Pubdate: Sat, 29 Nov 2003
Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines)
Contact:  http://www.mb.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/906

HIMAGSIK ANTI-DRUGS PROJECT STARTS TOMORROW

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will launch "The Nation's Outrage Against 
Drugs: Saving This Generation" (Himagsik) project at the Liwasang Bonifacio 
in Manila tomorrow, Monday.

Representatives from the youth and religious sectors as well as civil 
society are expected to join Mrs. Arroyo in the nationwide launch of Himagsik.

There will also be launching ceremonies at the City Park in Davao City, 
Fuente Osmena in Cebu, and Burnham Park in Baguio City starting at 4:30 p.m.

The Himagsik launch will also be graced by International Boxing Federation 
(IBP) superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao, billiards legend Efren 
"Bata" Reyes, and other sports personalities who will exhort the youth to 
junk drugs in favor of sports.

Singers and other movie personalities have also been invited to join the 
President in celebrating the first nationwide coordinated and 
multi-sectoral fight against illegal drugs.

The launching of Himagsik comes on the heels of the recent success of the 
Philippine National Police (PNP) in the fight against illegal drugs with 
over P18 billion confiscated from raids of shabu factories.

"While significant milestones have been achieved by the government in the 
campaign against drugs, there is still a need to intensify greater 
awareness and involvement of all sectors of the society on the urgency and 
importance of the anti-drugs campaign," Philippine National Police (PNP) 
Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force chief Deputy Director 
General Edgardo Aglipay.

Under the project, agencies assigned with fighting illegal drugs, including 
the PNP, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Dangerous Drugs 
Board (DDB), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), will now be 
joined by youth and student organizations, religious groups, and civil 
society in generating greater awareness on the evils of illegal drugs.

"There is a need to deflect the general mindset that the anti-drug program 
is the government's concern alone. There is a need to send a clear and 
strong message to the entire Filipino people that the anti-drug campaign is 
the concern of all: the family, the educators, the youth, the religious, 
and all responsible citizens who really care to save this generation from 
the menacing effects of illegal drugs," Himagsik project director Secretary 
Marita Jimenez said.

Under the long-term goals of Himagsik, the various law enforcement agencies 
will sign a manifesto of commitment with the different sectors to come up 
with alternative projects for the youth in sports, arts, environment, and 
other volunteer work to veer them away from the temptations of drugs.

"The project will also enhance the implementation of a more viable 
rehabilitation program for drug dependents," Interior and Local Government 
Secretary Jose Lina Jr. said.

The Himagsik launch will open with the testimonies of former drug 
dependents on the evils of illegal drugs as well as the paths they took on 
their way back from rehabilitation.

There will be a mass declaration of commitment to the ideals of Himagsik, 
underscoring that the entire process of the war against drugs - from law 
enforcement to rehabilitation - should be steadfast and long-term.

The President will render a report on the government's anti-illegal drugs 
campaign and reiterate her administration's firm commitment to stamp out 
drugs in the country.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager