STUDENT leaders in North Cotabato were tapped by the city government of Kidawapan to boost its campaign against illegal drugs.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista said that the “Droga ay Iwasan, Labanan at Baklasin-Kidapawan” program aims to step up the involvement of the youth in the government’s advocacy against drugs.

Evangelista said 13 student leaders pledged to help the city in fighting the drug menace.

They are Andriebonn Dimaano, Ian Jay Sapitula, Kayezyl Lacia, Mary Flor Avellanoza, Mark Anthony Aviles, Arch Benzal, Olivia Perez Ojeda, Louis Ann Alquiza, Jomarie Gonzales, Ace Benedict Acosta, Krizza Castro, Rodelo Balaso, and Rey Alvin Lumayon.

The mayor urged the students to influence their friends and schoolmates to avoid illegal drugs.

“Magiging mas epektibo ang laban kung mismong mga student leaders ang kikilos at humikayat sa kanilang kapwa estudyante na iwaksi ang droga dahil wala itong mabuting dulot,” he said.

The student leaders are expected to conduct forums on the significance of the campaign and the effects of illegal drug use.

“Patuloy ang city government sa kampanya nito laban sa illegal drugs sa pamamagitan ng mga programa at proyekto kaakibat ang mga concerned government agencies tulad ng DOH, DILG, PDEA, PNP, at iba pa,” Evangelista said.

“Layon ng DILAAB na hikayatin ang mga kabataan na umiwas sa illegal drugs at sa halip ay ituon ang pansin sa mga makabuluhang bagay lalo na ngayong may pandemya ng Covid19,” he added.