CENTRAL LUZON — The municipalities of Mayantoc and Pura in Tarlac have made history as the first local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon to receive the Drug-Free Workplace (DFW) Certification, officially conferred by the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) III.

This landmark recognition affirms the steadfast commitment of both municipalities to fostering safe, healthy, and drug-free working environments within their local government institutions. The certification aligns with national directives on drug prevention, ethical governance, and public service integrity.

The DFW Certification is awarded to government agencies and LGUs that meet a comprehensive set of standards. These include the institutionalization of drug prevention programs, the implementation of internal workplace policies, and regular capacity-building efforts focused on promoting employee well-being, accountability, and ethical service delivery.

The program is implemented under Joint Regional Memorandum Circular No. 01, s. 2024, by the Regional Peace and Order Council III, in collaboration with the regional offices of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The Drug-Free Workplace Committee convened virtually via Zoom to review the certification applications of Mayantoc and Pura. Representatives from both municipalities participated actively, providing clarifications and submitting verified documentation to demonstrate full compliance with program requirements.

During the formal awarding ceremony, key local officials were in attendance to receive the certifications on behalf of their respective municipalities. Their participation reflected the collaborative efforts of local government, health authorities, and law enforcement in sustaining drug-free institutions.

Representing Mayantoc were Mayor Iluminado E. Pobre, Jr., Municipal Health Officer Dr. Josie Marie Icmat, and Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Maricar Janice Perez. From Pura, PMaj Randie Niegos, Officer-in-Charge Chief of Police, accepted the award. Their presence underscored the strong and unified leadership backing the drug-free workplace initiative.

The DFW Certification Program is part of the broader initiative of the national government to promote drug-free communities and enhance ethical, responsible, and wellness-oriented public service.

By achieving this certification, Mayantoc and Pura have set a precedent for other LGUs in Central Luzon and across the Philippines. Their accomplishment demonstrates how local leadership, when aligned with national goals, can implement meaningful institutional reforms that promote workplace safety, public trust, and governance excellence.