The family’s overwhelming support remains crucial in the government’s continuing fight against the illegal drug trade in the country, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. asserted.
During the recent first year celebration of the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program in Lingayen, Pangasinan, Abalos urged the parents to instill to the youth the proper mindset to resist the temptation of succumbing to peer pressure by saying ‘no to drugs.’’
“Ipakita natin ang kagandahan ng buhay, ang tamang edukasyon, ang tamang barkada at pabayaan natin silang magkaroon ng kompiyansa to say no to drugs (Let us illustrate the beauty of life, provide proper education, good peers and inculcate in them to have the confidence to say no to drugs),’’ Abalos stressed.
Abalos prodded the families to proactively join the government and put a halt in the longstanding influence of illegal drugs among Filipino youth.
Through its law enforcement units Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and National Bureau of Investigation, Abalos emphasized that the national government is undeterred in its pursuit in stamping out the illegal drugs scourge in the country.
However, Abalos insisted “that every family's full cooperation is paramount in ensuring their success.’’
He advised the public to focus on guiding the youth in building healthy habits, while authorities would focus on drug supply reduction efforts.
Abalos cited some reasons for drug use among youth are peer pressure (barkada), experimentation, and family problems.
He continued that those factors can be prevented by guiding kids toward the right path, and showing them that life is worth living even without illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III, represented by Board Member Shiela Baniqued, thanked the DILG for the BIDA program and assured the province’s support in the national government's campaign against illegal drugs.