By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

President Remengesau declared on Wednesday the month of April as Alcohol Awareness Month.
According to Proclamation No. 07-79, the theme is " a call to action, end underage alcohol drinking."
"I call upon all citizens, state leaders, government agencies, public, private and religious institutions, businesses, schools, medical facilities in Palau to observe this month and every month thereafter by taking appropriate steps in eliminating underage alcohol drinking," the proclamation said.
The Rubekul Belau with the president’s proclamation also declared a bul
A bul is when a town declares or mandates its people to follow a certain rule for everyone to obey.
The proclamation said that studies show that kids who start drinking young will most likely develop alcohol related problems later in life.
The proclamation further added that in 2005, 21 percent of high school students have had their first drink of alcohol other than a few sips before the age of 13.
It added that in 2005, 27 percent of high school students reported to have had binge drinking in the past 30 days.
It also stressed that it is against the law to consume or possess alcohol beverages when under 21 years of age.