CEBU CITY, Cebu, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 7 (DILG7) conducted the Visayas Cluster grand launching of the Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Awayan (BIDA) program at the Plaza Independencia, Cebu City, on Nov. 26.

The event is part of the nationwide simultaneous grand launching, which was also held in Quezon City for the Luzon Cluster and in Cagayan De Oro City for the Mindanao Cluster.

The BIDA program is the government's revamped anti-illegal drug program that aims to raise awareness and encourage community participation in drug demand reduction through more enhanced information drives and educational campaigns using the platforms of social media, television, radio, and print ads.

The campaign is also a long-term effort through a whole-of-government approach with the active involvement of the private sector and civil society organizations to eradicate illegal drugs in the country.

The grand launching activity started with a bike ride, fun run, and zumba session, where hundreds of participants from different local government units in Central Visayas participated in the activities.

It was also attended by some DILG officials led by Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan, local officials led by Cebu City Councilor Philip Zafra, members from the national government agencies, partner NGOs, personnel from the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Philippine Drug Enforcement A, and other key stakeholders. (RGC/PIA7 Cebu)