Members of the ASEAN Training Center for Preventive Drug Education (ATCPDE) joined the kickoff ceremonies held November 9, 2008 at the Quezon Memorial Circle to signal the celebration of Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week (November 9-15).

The ATCPDE contingent was led by ATCPDE Director Dr. Evangeline M. Zalamea, and included Prof. Lorelei Vinluan, secretary; Prof. Francis Grace Duka-Pante and Dr. Rosanelia T. Yangco, members; Ms. Teresita C. Pineda, Officer-in-Charge, Dangerous Drugs Board Preventive Education Training and Information Division (DDB-PETID); Ms. Emma R. Pastorfide and Ms. Lucita S. Contreras, DDB Training Specialists; and Ms. Fran Autor, graduate student staff of ATCPDE. Some student teachers also participated.

 

From left to right: Ms. Fran Autor, Prof. Francis Grace Duka-Pante, Dr. Rosanelia Yangco, and Prof. Lorelei Vinluan at the Quezon Memorial Circle
From left to right: Ms. Fran Autor, Prof. Francis Grace Duka-Pante,
Dr. Rosanelia Yangco, and Prof. Lorelei Vinluan at the Quezon Memorial Circle

 

The kickoff ceremonies carried the theme "Pamilyang Nagkakaisa Laban sa Droga" and featured the following activities: Family Fun Run, Parade with Slogan-Family Walk for a Cause from the site of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and DDB offices to the Quezon Memorial Circle, celebration of mass, and family song and dance fest.

Usec. Edgar C. Galvante, DDB Executive Director, declared the week-long celebration open. Hon. Herbert M. Bautista, Quezon City Vice Mayor, welcomed all the participants including those from various Drug Abuse Councils like Makati, Taguig, Parañaque, Pasig, and Quezon City. Former Senator Vicente C. Sotto III, DDB Chairman, and Congressman Roquito Ablan of Ilocos Sur gave their inspirational messages.

Dr. Zalamea coordinated the mass celebration with other members of the Inter-Agency Committee on Drug Abuse Prevention Education (IACDAPE). Two student teachers were assigned to carry flowers to the altar during the mass offertory.

Mr. Marz Taylan, an alumnus of the U.P. College of Music, performed with his violin for the doxology. The ceremony was also marked by some intermission numbers from a celebrity, a group of martial arts experts, and dance numbers from various mascots. Snacks and lunch were served and the half-day event was capped by a dodge ball exhibition and game. 

 

Student teachers of the U.P. College of Education carry the flower baskets toward the altar for the mass offertory and Mr. Marz Taylan, with his violin, performs for the doxology.
Student teachers of the U.P. College of Education carry the flower baskets
toward the altar for the mass offertory and Mr. Marz Taylan,
with his violin, performs for the doxology.

 

 

by Dr. Rosanelia T. Yangco