TH|E Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) flagship anti-illegal drugs campaign Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Program has reached 15 regions of the country with over 230,000 individuals participating in different BIDA-related activities in 2023.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos credited the Department’s personnel, and offices including local government units (LGUs), private sector partners, and other stakeholders for expanding the BIDA Program’s reach in the first year of its implementation.
“Sa nakalipas na taon, naging bagong mukha ng kampanya kontra iligal na droga ang ating BIDA Program,” Abalos said.
“Thanks to your efforts, we have conducted BIDA Fun Runs, training programs, Serbisyo Caravans, and other BIDA activities in 15 regions across the country involving various sectors,” he added.
According to Abalos, the Department signed strategic partnerships with different sectors to promote the BIDA Program and raise awareness about the ill effects of illegal drugs.
They also had tie-ups with more than 30 big business establishments through the “BIDA Workplace” initiative.
Recognizing sports as an effective means to encourage people, especially the youth, to say no to drugs, the DILG also linked up with major sports leagues in the country such as the Philippine Basketball Association, Premier Volleyball League, and University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
Aside from working with athletes, the DILG also tapped some of the country’s up-and-coming entertainment stars from ABS-CBN and GMA to become BIDA ambassadors.
Additionally, major cinemas, such as SM Cinemas and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, were playing the program’s ads before the start of every movie to encourage the public to join forces with the government in combating illegal drugs.
Abalos described 2023 as a prolific year for the country’s anti-drug efforts.
He also expressed confidence that the BIDA Program will only get bigger in the years to come as it reaches the grassroots level.
“We are definitely off to a good start. We were able to bring the spirit of BIDA down to our communities in just over a year since its launch,” Abalos pointed out.
“Asahan po ninyo na magpapatuloy at lalo pang palalakasin ang kampanyang ito sa tulong ng iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan,” he added.
