CEBU CITY – DILG 8 together with DILG Region 6, various National Government Agencies, Non-Government organizations, and host DILG Regional Office 7 and Central Visayas LGUs, joined the Visayas Cluster Grand Launch of the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Program on November 26, 2022 at the Plaza Independencia.

 

Via a Live Stream Message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his support to the BIDA Program and mentioned how the fight against illegal drugs is a fight of all Filipinos.

 

President Marcos Jr. encouraged every Filipino to join in the efforts of the government to eliminate the use of illegal drugs.

 

“Ang laban kontra illegal na droga ay laban ng buong Pilipino.”, the President said.

 

Also via a Live Stream Message, DILG Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. encouraged everyone to support the BIDA Program in order to effectively deliver the hopes of government to end the problem on illegal drugs.

 

Meanwhile, DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan who led the Visayas Cluster Launch, expressed his delight in the success of the event with the conduct of simultaneous physical exercises prior to the opening of the program.

 

USEC Iringan mentioned how the launch proved that through recreational or cultural activities, victims may be saved from the temptations of illegal drugs.

 

“Pag magawa natin itong lahat, siguradong BIDA kayo, BIDA tayong lahat!”, the USEC said.

 

Other highlights of the event include inspirational messages from local officials, heads of non-government organizations, and anti-drug advocates, awarding of Drug-cleared barangays, and the signing of the Unity Statement.

 

In said Visayas Cluster Grand Launch of the BIDA Program, DILG Region 8 was represented by the DILG Regional Director, Arnel M. Agabe, Provincial Director of Leyte, Anabelle De Asis, and select personnel of the DILG Leyte Provincial Office.

 

BIDA is the Flagship Pogram of the National Government in its fight and campaign to eradicate illegal drugs. Using a Whole-Of-Nation Approach, DILG acts as lead agency in its implementation.

 

Other Clusters of the Program Grand Launch were in Quezon City, Davao City and Cagayan De Oro.

 

Region 8 and other LGUs nationwide also held various activities in support of the BIDA Launch.

 

(ORD | JP Negros)