■ Photos: Charm Castillo, Kath de Guzman, and Earl Urbano
The 1st Regional BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan) held at SM CIty Baguio was a resounding success with persons deprived of liberty taking centerstage in various competitions.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the regional offices of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology under JS/Supt. Atty Kenneth Bid-ing and the Department of Interior and Local Government under Regional Director Araceli San Jose for organizing the event that featured the skills of PDLs in painting, handicraft-making, and songwriting.
The entries of the PDLs from different jail facilities in the Cordillera were displayed and judged by a panel of judges during awarding ceremonies on May 28.
The BJMP and DILG expressed hope the event will bolster the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
“Many lives have been destroyed by illegal drugs, especially among the new generation. Let us end this problem. The BJMP wants to change lives and build a safer nation,” Bid-ing said.
San Jose commended the BJMP for providing PDLs with livelihood skills that can help them lead better lives upon release.
