Aurora: The provincial government of Aurora was awarded the Balangay Seal of Excellence by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in recognition of its sustained efforts to maintain all its eight municipalities as drug-cleared. Governor Isidro Galban and Provincial Administrator Sherwin Taay received the award from PDEA representatives at the provincial capitol on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Balangay Seal of Excellence is the highest recognition granted by PDEA to local government units that demonstrate exemplary performance in implementing anti-illegal drug initiatives, particularly the Barangay Drug Clearing Program. PDEA Aurora officials said the award reflects the collective efforts of the provincial government, municipal and village officials, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders in combating illegal drugs and promoting public safety.

Earlier Monday, PDEA Aurora also participated in the first quarter meetings of the Provincial Peace and Order Council, Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council, and Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. The meeting, presided over by Galban, Vice Governor Patrick Alexis Angara, and other officials, discussed updates on the Drug-Free Workplace Program, peace and order developments, anti-drug efforts, and insurgency situation.

Officials emphasized continued inter-agency collaboration to sustain Aurora's drug-cleared status, strengthen peace and order mechanisms, and address emerging security concerns.