“Kung mapupuyat, magkape –huwag droga. Ang gumagamit ay papangit, mababaliw, at makukulong”: Atty. Comafay urges youth to choose better paths

Tabuk City, Kalinga – During a recent talk on the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (CDDA) and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act held on March 30 at Barangay Suyang, Tabuk City’s number 1 Councilor and Attorney Errol Comafay urged the youth to stay away from illegal drugs, emphasizing the physical, mental, and legal consequences of drug use.

The CDDA, or Republic Act 9165, seeks to prevent and combat illegal drug use, manufacture, and trafficking. It imposes strict penalties on offenders, establishes the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to lead anti-drug operations, and promotes education and rehabilitation programs for users, especially the youth.

During the event, the councilor shared three perspectives on the effects of illegal drugs, highlighting in a lighthearted manner how drug use may lead to physical deterioration, mental instability, and imprisonment.

Comafay also encouraged students to choose safer alternatives, such as drinking coffee to stay alert while studying or working on school projects, rather than resorting to drugs.

“Ibinahagi ko sa kanila na may tatlong mangyayari sa isang taong gumagamit ng shabu: una, ang taong gumagamit ng shabu ay papangit, mababaliw, at makukulong. Ipinaalam ko sa mga estudyante na kung kailangan nilang magpuyat para gumawa ng thesis o para mag-review ay huwag silang gagamit ng shabu. Sinabi ko sa kanila na kung kailangan nilang magpuyat ay uminom sila ng kape. Pero kung inaantok pa rin sila pagkatapos uminom ng kape, ay ipanghilamos nila ang kape at tiyak magigising sila,” he said.

Comafay also expressed hope that the youth would remember the dangers of drug use and avoid trying it altogether, saying, “Nawa ay umukilkil sa isipan ng mga kabataang dumalo ang mangyayari sa mga gumagamit ng shabu at nawa ay hindi nila ito susubukan.”

Meanwhile, the event was organized by students of Kalinga State University and the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Suyang. It was part of a local initiative to raise awareness about drug abuse and promote responsible decision-making among the youth.