THE Department of the Interior and Local Government yesterday launched its anti- illegal drugs campaign “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” (BIDA) program in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
The event, which was held at the CDC parade ground, Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat City, started around 4 a.m. with a 5-km Fun Run, Fun Walk and Zumba.
Participants were from the Police Regional Office 3, the youth sector, partner non- government organizations, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government 3.
This was followed by a program, with some 6,000 participants from the seven provinces and two cities of Region 3, PNP-PRO3, DILG3, BJMP, BFP, partner NGOs, youth sector and barangay officials.
Present during the activity were Mabalacat City Mayor Cris Garbo, Masantol Mayor Jose Antonio Bustos III, Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, DILG 3 Regional Director Anthony Nuyda, Department of Health 3 Director Dr. Corazon Flores, Deputy chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Rhodel O. Sermonia, PRO3 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jose S. Hidalgo Jr. and ACCERT- Luzon vice president Dr Edwin Maniti.
Among the highlights of the program were the presentation of BIDA accomplishment, presentation of graduates from Bahay Pagbabago, and ceremonial turn-over of persons who used drug/s surrenderers to the DOH, testimonial of former RWP graduate, presentation of drug-cleared barangays, and message of support from Lt. Gen. Sermonia and Dr. Maniti.
Hidalgo said: “We are committed to support the BIDA program of the DILG through the different activities we are conducting such as our Project READY (Resistance Education Against Drugs for the Youth), Recovery Wellness Programs and other undertakings related to BIDA program, as well as our continuous fight against illegal drugs.”
