April 4, 2022, Sultan Kudarat State University was awarded as the Regional Champion for the 2022 Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) Innovative Awards, and last June 9, 2022, the University President Dr. Rolando F. Hechanova, RPAE, with Grace R. Pedrola, Director for Health Services received the plaque of recognition for its PADS programs and innovation at SMX Lanang Davao City.
Executive Order No. 66, s. 2018, otherwise known as the “Institutionalizing of Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS)”, directs all government offices, departments, bureaus, agencies, and offices, including all government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to implement the said anti-illegal drugs strategy through its projects and programs by their respective mandates, and encourages private and civil society organizations to actively support the same.
Moreover, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) initiated a contest “2022 Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) Innovative Awards”, which aims to showcase the significant strategies, projects, and innovations being implemented by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country to comply with the aforementioned Executive Order and to strengthen the anti-illegal drugs program in their respective institutions.
In response to the call to participate and to showcase the university’s efforts in support of the EO No. 66, s. 2018, Sultan Kudarat State University participated in the said PADS Innovative Award Contest. The Student Body Organization-ACCESS headed by their active Governor, Wilton Duhapa, was tapped to do the video entry for the PADS Innovative Awards. The Health Services Division, headed by Dir. Grace R. Pedrola, RN helped to gather documents needed for the said contest. Other University Divisions also assisted in this endeavor were the Guidance Center, College of Criminal Justice Education, NSTP, and Office of Student Affairs who also actively participated during the exhibit and visit of the personnel from CHED Regional Office led by Mr. Danstone Guy, Regional PADS Focal Person. The university exhibited the Drug-Free Workplace Policy, Activity Accomplishment Reports, extension services about drug activities conducted in the university, drug-related files, and a video showcasing all anti-illegal drugs campaigns done by the university.
By: Chiradee May P. Marquez, RN
