ILOILO City – Seventy-eight local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas have earned a high functional rating in the 2025 Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Audit, underscoring the region’s intensified and sustained campaign against illegal drugs.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 6 said the recognition highlights the strong performance of provinces, cities, and municipalities that demonstrated effective anti-drug initiatives anchored on prevention, rehabilitation, and community engagement.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to the 78 LGUs,” DILG-6 said in a statement.
The accomplishment reflects “strong local leadership, proactive governance strategies, and sustained commitment to prevention, rehabilitation, and community engagement initiatives,” it pointed out.
Data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 6 showed that as of December 16, 2025, Western Visayas achieved a 97.11% drug-cleared status across its barangays.
Aklan, Antique, and Guimaras emerged as top performers after attaining 100% drug-cleared status, while the Province of Iloilo followed closely at 99.94%, with only one barangay yet to be cleared.
Capiz recorded a 93.66% drug-cleared rate, while Iloilo City posted 62.78%.
Out of 3,389 barangays in the region, 1,984 have been classified as drug-cleared and 1,307 declared drug-free.
PDEA-6 explained that drug-cleared barangays are those previously affected by illegal drugs that underwent clearing operations and successfully met the parameters set under Dangerous Drugs Board regulations.
Among the provinces, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo were cited for achieving high functional ratings in the 2025 ADAC audit.
Other LGUs that earned high ratings include:
* Aklan (11) – Balete, Banga, Batan, Buruanga, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Malay, Malinao, New Washington, Tangalan
* Antique (12) – Belison, Caluya, Culasi, Laua-an, Libertad, Patnongon, Tibiao, Valderrama, Sibalom, San Remigio, Sebaste, San Jose de Buenavista
* Capiz (14) – Cuartero, Dumarao, Ivisan, Jamindan, Maayon, Panit-an, Pilar, Pontevedra, President Roxas, Roxas City, Mambusao, Panay, Sapi-an, Tapaz
* Guimaras (4) – Buenavista, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo, Sibunag
* Iloilo (34) – Ajuy, Alimodian, Anilao, Balasan, Banate, Bingawan, Cabatuan, Lambunao, Calinog, Carles, Concepcion, Dingle, Dueñas, Igbaras, Leganes, Lemery, Leon, Maasin, Miag-ao, Mina, New Lucena, Oton, Passi City, Pavia, Pototan, San Dionisio, San Enrique, San Joaquin, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Sara, Tigbauan, Tubungan, Zarraga
The ADAC Performance Audit evaluates the functionality and effectiveness of local anti-drug councils, including the implementation of programs aimed at reducing drug supply and demand at the grassroots level./PN
