The City Government of San Fernando, La Union successfully hosted the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing (ROCBDC) Validation, Verification, and Deliberation at the Mayor’s Conference Room on June 24, 2026.

The activity brought together national government agencies, regional offices, provincial representatives, and local leaders for the assessment of barangays applying for Drug-Cleared Status across Region I.

The event was presided over by Director Julius M. Paderes, PhD, Regional Director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region I (PDEA RO1), together with their full leadership and technical team. Present were Assistant Regional Director Janmark V. Malibiran, Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Marvin O. Tavares, Regional Intelligence Officer IA I, Beverly L. Peralta, and Regional Team Leader IA I Mary Jean B. Botes, alongside the RBDCP technical team, who facilitated the validation, verification, and deliberation of all applicant barangays across the region.

Meanwhile, representing La Union were PMGEN Gregorio R. Pimentel (Ret.) as provincial representative and City Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto of San Fernando City as host local chief executive. From Ilocos Norte, Engr. Pedro S. Agcaoili Jr. represented the provincial government, while Ms. Noemi Kathleen Balbuena represented Ilocos Sur, and Atty. Kandace Lorraine M. Palagud represented Pangasinan.

Also present were key partner agencies, including Dir. Paulino G. Lalata Jr., CESO IV of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region I, Mr. Erwin M. Baclig Jr. of the Department of Health, and PLTCOL Christopher F. Valerio of the Philippine National Police PRO1, who collectively reinforced the multi-agency commitment to sustaining the region’s barangay drug-clearing program.

A total of 27 barangays across Region I were evaluated during the deliberation, including Barangay I, Barangay Sevilla, and Barangay Ilocanos Norte of the City of San Fernando. Following a comprehensive review of compliance with program standards and documentary requirements, the three San Fernando barangays were declared Drug-Cleared, marking another milestone in the city’s sustained campaign for safer and healthier communities.

This achievement reflects the strong collaboration among national agencies, provincial governments, and local stakeholders in advancing a unified effort toward drug-free communities of not only our #PeoplesCity of #SanFernandoTayo, but the entirety of Region 1.