During last weekend’s 11th Sea Festival in Kampot, the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), the Ministry of Tourism, the provincial Drug Control Committee, LOLC Microfinance Institution (LOLC), Chhay Phal Travel, 2World Travel and World Pop Travel & Tour joined forces to raise awareness about drug issues.
Their collaborative efforts included an exhibition showcasing the effects of drugs, as well as the distribution of informative materials such as leaflets, posters, banners, warning signs and books which highlighted the dangers of drug use.
Sok Voeun, Chief Executive Officer of LOLC, explained that contributing to society has always been a key priority for the organisation. Past initiatives include encouraging top-performing students, providing study materials to underprivileged students in the northeastern provinces and promoting traffic safety, as well as supporting drug prevention efforts.
In addition, LOLC has also provided resources and materials for many other social initiatives.
General Meas Virith, NACD Secretary-General, noted that Prime Minister Hun Manet, along with the leaders of various ministries and institutions, visited the exhibition booth in person.
Their presence was significant, and demonstrated the close attention they are paying to the serious issue of drugs. This aligns with the prime minister’s strong commitment to combating drugs during the 7th legislature. It served as a powerful message, encouraging all sectors of society to unite in building drug-free lives and community.
Lor Sovichea, Deputy Director-General with the tourism ministry, explained that the anti-drug working group consistently receives strong public support during Sea and River festivals. He noted that many attendees express a keen interest in learning more about drug-related issues to enhance their knowledge and awareness.
Lieutenant Gen. Lim Tong Huot, Director of the Department of Education and Public Relations at the NACD, detailed how the 11th Sea Festival, held from December 13 to 15 in Kampot province, was celebrated under the theme “Celebrate Heritage and Eco-Tourism of Cambodia's Coastal Areas”.
The event saw the active participation of top national leaders, commune and village chiefs, and the general public. Attendees engaged with educational materials, learned about the benefits of the NoDrug App and accepted carefully designed education materials aimed at promoting further dissemination of anti-drug messages among family and friends, contributing to the goal of creating drug-free communes and villages.
On behalf of Neth Savoeun, Deputy Prime Minister and NACD President, Meas Virith expressed gratitude to the tourism ministry, the Kampot Provincial Administration and LOLC Cambodia, as well as their smaller partner organisations.
He acknowledged their long-standing support for educational efforts which aim to prevent the use of illegal drugs, explaining that combating drugs is a multi-sectoral effort which requires the collective support of the public and private sectors to ensure peace, development and a brighter future for the people of the Kingdom, especially the younger generation.
