The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on the public Friday, Nov. 25, to help the government put an end to the country’s illegal drug woes by supporting the "Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan" (BIDA) program.
DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. said that the nationwide BIDA program will be launched in Quezon City on Nov. 26.
“Samahan n’yo kami at lumahok sa grand launch ng BIDA Program. Lahat tayo ay dapat kumilos na at maging bida laban sa iligal na droga. Sa ating mga kamay nakasalalay ang isang magandang bukas para sa ating mga kabataan na malayo sa salot ng droga (Join us and participate in the BIDA program grand launch. All of us should act now and be advocates against illegal drugs. It is in our hands that hangs the youth’s better future away from the plague of illegal drugs),’’ Abalos said.
The BIDA Program is a nationwide anti-illegal drugs advocacy program involving local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), and other key sectors of the society. It will focus more on drug demand reduction and rehabilitation in the communities, underscoring the role of drug enforcement agencies including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and others.
Abalos stated that the illegal drugs problem is a deep-seated issue that has continued to destroy relationships, families and the future of the youth.
“Hindi natin puwedeng iasa na lamang sa Philippine National Police at sa Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ang kampanya laban sa iligal na droga dahil lahat tayo ay apektado dito. Kailangang lahat tayo ay kumilos na at makiisa para tuldukan ang salot na patuloy na sumisira sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan (We cannot depend solely on the Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the illegal drug campaign since we are all affected here. We all need to act already and cooperate to end the plague that has continuously destroyed the future of our youth),’’ he added.
Since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assumed office in July this year, the PNP’s aggressive campaign against illegal drugs resulted in the confiscation of some P9.7-billion worth of various illegal drugs confiscated and the arrest of 22,646 drug personalities in 18,505 anti-illegal drug operations nationwide.
Abalos explained that the anti-drugs campaign under the administration of President Marcos pioneers a different approach that will work “within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights and with focus on rehabilitation and socio-economic development.”
The DILG chief added that no less than the President is expected to lead the Metro Manila launch of the BIDA program at the Quezon City Memorial Circle in Quezon City while regional launches will be held in Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Davao City.’’
Abalos noted that the program will tap the best practices of the LGUs, NGAs and other partners in order to strengthen institutions for the implementation of drug-reduction activities, encourage multi-sectoral participation, secure commitments from national government agencies and partner organizations, and raise awareness through information, education, and communication materials.
The BIDA grand launch in Quezon City will commence at 5:00 a.m., symbolizing the dawn of a new day for drug dependents, according to Abalos. Among the expected events to energize the audience will be zumba, dance presentations, street parade, band performances, AVP presentations, and unveiling of the BIDA program logo.
Local chief executives from the National Capital Region are also expected to read a unity statement to express their commitment to carry out the objectives of the BIDA program in their respective jurisdictions, while representatives from different sectors of the society will also give a statement of support for the program.
Similar activities will also be held in different areas of the country.
Last Oct. 7 , the BIDA program was soft-launched at Rizal Park in Manila with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by partner national agencies, local government units, private sector, faith-based organizations (FBOs), and civil society organizations (CSOs).