06/05/2026
๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐ ๐ข๐ ๐ช๐๐ง๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐, ๐ฃ๐๐ฉ๐๐ฆ ๐ช๐๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ข๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฌ
In a significant step toward strengthening the city's fight against illegal drugs, the City Government of Iriga and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Bicol Regional Office formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will establish a PDEA Satellite Office within the city. The agreement grants the agency dedicated office space in Barangay San Isidro, bringing frontline anti-drug operations closer to the communities they serve.
The MOA Signing Ceremony, held at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall of the Iriga City Hall, brought together key officials from both institutions. Representing the City Government of Iriga was Mayor Rex C. Oliva, while PDEA Bicol Regional Director Dir. III Wardley M. Getalla led the delegation from the agency's regional office, joined by Atty. Alex R. Fulgencio and other members of the PDEA Regional Office.
Mayor Oliva warmly welcomed the establishment of a PDEA office in Iriga City, recognizing the immense benefit it will bring to local efforts against drug abuse. Having the agency physically present within the city means faster coordination, more responsive enforcement, and a stronger deterrent against drug-related activities at the community level. The city government sees this as a concrete reinforcement of its commitment to keeping Iriga City safe and drug-free.
For his part, Regional Director Getalla expressed his gratitude to the City Government of Iriga for accommodating the agency and for placing its trust in PDEA. As the lead agency in the enforcement of anti-drug law, PDEA remains committed to helping Iriga City and its neighboring municipalities in the anti-illegal drug campaign through the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations, preventive education, and community involvement. He noted that these collective efforts would pave the way toward achieving barangay drug clearing throughout the city.
The ceremony was attended by Vice Mayor Edsel S. Dimaiwat, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, City Administrator Maharlika Ramon C. Oaferina II, department heads and heads of offices of the city government, Acting Chief of Police PLtCol Jeric Don P Sadia, and members of the local media, reflecting broad support for the milestone partnership. The City Legal Office, headed by Atty. Shane B. Beriรฑa-Imperial, played a key role in the ceremony, having finalized the MOA prior to the signing and notarizing the document upon its ex*****on.
The MOA marks a deepening of collaboration between the city government and national law enforcement, and signals Iriga City's resolve to provide the necessary resources and institutional support for sustained anti-drug programs. With PDEA's presence now anchored in the city, residents can expect more accessible reporting channels and a more visible commitment to building safer neighborhoods.
