The Department of the Interior and Local Government encouraged the public to become BIDA advocates and help put an end to the country’s illegal drugs problem as the government will launch its new anti-illegal drugs advocacy program dubbed as Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA Program nationwide..
The BIDA Program is a nationwide anti-illegal drugs advocacy program involving local government units, national government agencies (NGAs), and other key sectors of the society that will focus more on drug demand reduction and rehabilitation in the communities underscoring the role of drug enforcement agencies including the Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and National Bureau of Investigation.
DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos said the illegal drugs problem is a deep-seated issue that has continued to destroy relationships, families and the future of the youth, and it is high time for all sectors of the society to make a stand and do their part through the BIDA program.
“Hindi natin puwedeng iasa na lamang sa Philippine National Police at sa Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ang kampanya laban sa iligal na droga dahil lahat tayo ay apektado dito. Kailangang lahat tayo ay kumilos na at makiisa para tuldukan ang salot na patuloy na sumisira sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan,” he said.
Since President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. assumed office in July this year, the PNP’s aggressive campaign against illegal drugs resulted in the confiscation of some P9.7 billion worth of various illegal drugs confiscated and the arrest of 22,646 drug personalities in 18,505 anti-illegal drug operations nationwide.
Abalos said the anti-drugs campaign under the administration of President Marcos pioneers a different approach that will work “within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights and with focus on rehabilitation and socio-economic development.”
“Kung gusto nating masugpo ang problema sa iligal na droga, kinakailangan natin itong sugpuin sa puno. Kaya sa pamamagitan ng BIDA program, ang focus natin ay ang drug demand reduction sa tulong ng iba’t ibang sektor sa ating lipunan,” Abalos said.
Abalos said no less than the President is expected to lead the Metro Manila launch of the BIDA program at the Quezon City Memorial Circle in Quezon while regional launches will be held in Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Davao City.
“Si Presidente Marcos mismo ang mangunguna sa pag-lulunsad ng malawakang kampanyang ito upang ipakita na seryoso ang administrasyon na ipagpatuloy at mas paigtingin pa ang laban kontra droga,” he said.
He said the program will tap the best practices of LGUs, NGAs and other partners to strengthen institutions for the implementation of drug-reduction activities, encourage multi-sectoral participation, secure commitments from national government agencies and partner organizations, and raise awareness through information, education, and communication campaign materials. – Press release
April 26, 2024
