DILG inks MOA with top sports leagues to spur anti-illegal drug info drive
By Chito Chavez

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has further extended its "Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan" (BIDA) anti-illegal drug information campaign by forging partnerships with the country’s premier sports leagues.
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) joined the DILG’s fight against illegal drugs through a memorandum of agreement (MOA), the DILG noted.
The DILG stated that the PBA is also expected to upscale its drug testing initiatives in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 9165 otherwise known as The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In a statement, DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. cited the importance of the collaboration and its role in "promoting and advocating for sports as an effective solution to prevent the youth from subscribing to illegal drugs" with the UAAP set to open on Sept. 30.
DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. emphasized that the partnership of the DILG with the sports leagues will not only enhance the country’s illegal drug campaign but also warn the teams, players and general public that the leagues will not tolerate the use of illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, Abalos met with Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman where they emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation.
“The DILG and DBM play vital roles in ensuring that the needs of local government units (LGUs) are met and that resources are used efficiently. Both agencies are committed to working together to deliver better public services to citizens," the DILG stated.
The inter-agency meeting was aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s "Agenda for Prosperity," which aims to secure a future-proof and sustainable economy for the country and his 10-point agenda for economic renewal and long-term growth, specifically on transparent and efficient governance, the DILG noted.