Pubdate: Sun, 11 Nov 2007
Source: Daily Tribune, The (Philippines)
Copyright: 2007 The Tribune Publishing Co., Inc.
Contact:  http://www.tribune.net.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2973

MAKATI STUDENTS TO STAGE SIMULTANEOUS ANTI-DRUG RALLY
IN SCHOOLS, BARANGAYS

Students from 42 public and private schools in Makati  City will stage
a simultaneous anti-drug rally on Nov.  13 at 7 a.m. in their
respective schools and barangays.

Dubbed Sulong Kabataan Laban sa Droga, the anti-drug  rally is one of
the highlights of Makati 's observance  of the Drug Abuse Prevention
and Control Week that ends  on Nov. 17.

The Makati students will march around their respective  areas with
streamers, placards and bands to heighten  people's awareness,
especially the youth, of the  government's campaign against illegal
drugs and  substances.

The students will be joined by their respective  barangay
officials.

There will be a short program and the awarding of cash  prizes to the
winners of the best slogan contest.

Prior to the rally, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and Vice  Mayor Ernesto
Mercado, also the chairman of the Makati  Anti-Drug Abuse Council,
will join city and barangay  officials and employees in a Thanksgiving
Mass on  Monday, Nov. 12, at the Makati City Hall lobby.

Other activities include a seminar against drug abuse  and cheer
dancing and street dancing competitions  wherein cash prizes await the
winners.

"Through these activities, we hope to increase  awareness and
understanding of the evils of drugs among  our residents, especially
the youth, and encourage the  involvement of everyone in the campaign
against illegal  drugs," Mercado said.

The vice mayor added the relentless drug campaign is  the key to the
realization of their dream to make  Makati City the first drug-free
urban center in the  country. Ben Gines Jr.
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MAP posted-by: Derek