LOLC, one of the leading microfinance institutions in Cambodia, has once again played a proud role in the Kingdom’s anti-drug efforts, joining in with educational activities at the 9th River Festival in Takeo province.

Thousands of citizens took part in the March 21-23 festival, enjoying a series of entertaining musical acts, trade shows, cultural performances, and sporting competitions.

The National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) took the opportunity to promote drug awareness and encourage public participation in the fight against drugs, through the NACD NoDrug App.

LOLC (Cambodia) Plc, along with the Ministry of Tourism, World Pop Travel & Tour, 2World Travel, T, Chhay Phal Travel, and High Tech Mineral Water Company and other microfinance institutions, was honoured to take part in the educational efforts.

Promotions were conducted through exhibitions, images of leadership activities, pictures depicting the consequences of drug use, results of anti-drug efforts, posters, warning banners and educational reading materials which warned of the dangers of drugs, as well as the relevant laws and the consequences of being involved with narcotics.

In addition, souvenirs, such as hats, calendars, umbrellas, glasses and hand fans, were distributed to  the crowds, with the public encouraged to share them with their friends, families and loved ones.

LOLC was recently presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the NACD for its contributions to the Kingdom’s anti-drug campaigns. The certificate was presented in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, His Excellency Sar Sokha.

These efforts align with a government-led initiative under Prime Minister Hun Manet. The “Cleaning Our Houses and Removing Weeds from the Lake” campaign aims to addresses citizens' concerns about the drug problem.

Lor Sovichea, a senior Ministry of Tourism official, noted that the anti-drug task force in the tourism sector consistently receives wide support during all sea and river festivals. He emphasised that these events attract many people who come to explore and learn more about the drug issues, with specialists on hand to help them gain a deeper and clearer understanding of the issue.

Speaking on behalf of his company and their partners in the vital work, Sok Voeun, CEO of LOLC (Cambodia) Plc, noted that the private sector's involvement in supporting society, particularly in the fight against drugs, is crucial.

He highlighted that the drug problem is a shared issue for everyone and the root cause of insecurity in many communities, hindering development. He urged that all sectors continue to collaborate and support one another in addressing this challenge.

Lieutenant General Lim Tong Huot, Director of Education and Public Relations at the NACD, said that 9th River Festival, held under the theme “The Value of Rivers: Connecting Culture and Natural Tourism”, saw a large turnout, particularly of young people.

He reported that took an active interest in the NACD’s activities, exploring the topic, asking questions and accepting educational materials which they could share with their loved ones.

He believed that the presence of Prime Minister Hun Manet and other senior officials at the exhibition demonstrated the close attention that the seventh-mandate government is paying to the issue.

“Continued promotion and use of the NoDrug App are essential for receiving educational messages and useful information, as well as for reporting drug-related activities,” he noted.

Meas Vyrith, NACD Secretary General, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and representatives of the private sector – including LOLC (Cambodia) Plc – for their continued support for promoting education, prevention and control efforts.

This is a multi-sectoral initiative that requires the participation and support of all sectors of society and the private sector to effectively quell the issue of drugs, ensuring peace, development and a better future for our children,” he said.