The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) must implement projects and other similar activities that will enhance the government’s whole-of-nation approach in anti-illegal drug campaign, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.
In a statement, the DILG prodded the youth councils nationwide to hold projects related to anti-illegal drug program.
The DILG noted that the “BIDA para sa Kabataan’’ anti-illegal drug program aims to encourage youth participation in strengthening the government’s drug campaign further through youth assemblies, summer youth camps, seminars and other such undertakings.
Further, the DILG stressed that the program is very vital in educating the public, the youth in particular, on the dangerous effects of illegal drugs use and involvement in nefarious illegal drug transactions.
Aside from the aforementioned activities, the DILG encouraged the youth councils to conduct marathon, walkathon, bike run, skateboard competitions, zumba, yoga and wellness sessions while incorporating information on the government’s massive illegal drug campaign.
To further boost the BIDA program, the DILG enticed the anti-illegal drug activities should include the participation of the out-of-school youth (OSY) sector, more youth organizations and other “youth-serving groups.’’
Other activities like slogan,poster-making, song and dance contest, mural painting and other youth-targeted activities that show the talents of the youth that will promote the BIDA program are welcome, according to the DILG.
Earlier, DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. asserted that the family’s overwhelming support remains crucial in the government’s continuing fight against the illegal drug trade in the country.
Specifically, 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 (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), 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.’’
The DILG chief 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 emphasized 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.