A program called “Pray & Play” was formally launched in Barangay San Antonio (BSA) in Pasig City on Saturday, June 29, with the goal of keeping the youth away from illegal drugs and promoting their overall well-being through spiritual and recreational activities.

Pray & Play is a community-driven program aimed at fostering holistic and sustainable development among the youth. 

The program was launched as the barangay marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT).

“The formal launching of our program aligned with our barangay’s observance of IDADAIT, which this year underscores the necessity for effective drug policies to be rooted in science, research, human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health consequences of drug abuse,” BSA Chairman Raymond Lising said.

Lising said that over 70 youth from their barangay participated in the official launch. He explained that the program was created under the belief that physical and spiritual well-being are interconnected.

He said the program's recreational component features a variety of sports activities, including basketball tournaments and volleyball matches, which offer opportunities for physical exercise and healthy competition among participants.

“BSA’s Pray & Play program combines recreational activities with spiritual enrichment. Our primary goal is to keep the youth away from illegal drugs and provide them with an outlet for their spiritual formation,” the chairman said.

“These activities are not only aimed at promoting an active lifestyle but also at fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship within the community,” Lising added.

For the spiritual dimension of the program, Lising mentioned that it involves values formation sessions and prayer gatherings, conducted in parallel with other activities.

“These activities are designed to instill moral values, promote unity, and strengthen the spiritual foundation of residents, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility among participants,” he stated.

Meanwhile, for a fulfilling and transformative experience, Lising encouraged other children in their barangay to join the program, which is conducted every last Saturday of the month.

The chairman also urged other organizations to become collaborators with the program.

“We invite local businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, and community leaders to join us in this endeavor. Your support will be instrumental in making this program a sustainable and impactful part of our community life,” he said.

The program is an initiative of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Committee (BADAC), chaired by BSA Councilor Cynthia Lemoncito Milo, and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), in collaboration with the Bagong Ilog Christian Fellowship, Inc., Rizal High School, and the Pasig City Anti-Drug Abuse Office.

This local initiative was aligned with a memorandum circular from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which mandated all provincial governors, city mayors, municipal mayors, punong barangays, DILG regional directors, and field officers to celebrate IDADAIT with this year’s theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

Observance of IDADAIT contributes to global efforts to raise awareness about the significant societal challenges posed by illicit drugs.