In a united effort to help in the government’s fight against drug and other substance abuse, a small group of pastors and their support group has again mounted a series of drug abuse lectures and movie showing in seven high schools in the municipality of Dauin and Apo Island.
Started last year by a group of pastors coming from different denominations, the Drug Education and Information Campaign series coincided with the recent National Drug Awareness Week celebration and was well-received by high school students coming from the different barangays. It got the nod from Dauin Municipal Mayor Neil Credo, the respective barangay captains led by the Chairperson of the Liga ng mga Barangay Captains, Brgy. Capt. Peter Enojo, principals of the high schools headed by Mrs. Carmelita Alcala and the Chief of Police of Dauin P/Insp. Romulus Delfin.
The pastors belong to the Dauin Ministerial Circle, led by its president, Pastor Daylinda Dequito of the Throne of Grace and Mercy. Formally organized in 2010, the DMC aims not only to educate high school students about the dangers of abusing drugs and other substances like tobacco and alcohol, but to also to inspire them to be spiritually motivated.
The group, using their own funds and bringing their own equipment even to the hinterlands of the town and across the sea to the neighboring island of Apo, also showed the documentary film titled Taghoy sa Dilim with Ogie Alcasid as narrator. The movie features former drug addicts and other substance abusers and not only explains the reasons or origins of the drug problem but also offers alternative solutions.
For the film showing and lecture at the Apo Island High School, the Dumaguete Chapter of Gideons International led by its President Ed Dequito joined the group, distributing Bibles to the teachers and students.
The DMC is also composed of the following pastors: Ptr. Merjun Austero (Throne of Grace and Mercy, Ptr. Gary Fondren (AbbaChild Ministry, Inc.), Chap. Andy Legaspi (Wayside Ministries, United Church of Christ in the Philippines), Ptr. Irma Saranillo (Presbyterian Church, Apo Island), Ptr. Danilo Torres (World International Ministries), Ptr. Cesar Tuballa (Jesus is Lord), and Ptr. Emelene Rusil (Presbyterian Church, Dauin). (PR)
