CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) -- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Central Luzon awarded the winners of the regional BIDA digital poster-making and songwriting contests.  
 
These were anchored on the agency’s flagship program against illegal drugs dubbed Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Awayan (BIDA). 
 
DILG Regional Director Anthony Nuyda said this initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage community participation in drug demand reduction. 
 
“This BIDA program also envisions to create a lasting impact towards influencing the reduction of drug proliferation among communities, encouraging people to stay away from drugs, and de-stigmatizing drug dependents and addiction by providing access to recovery and rehabilitation,” he explained. 
 
Nuyda said aside from ramping up the fight against illegal drugs, the two contests are essential in this day and age of digital media in order to revisit the digital means of art making and to ensure continuous support for potential talents.
 
For the digital poster-making contest, Vivian Rivera from the City of San Fernando, Pampanga bested other artists and took home P25,000 cash plus certificate of recognition. 
 
Meanwhile, Rea Mae Hernandez of Balagtas, Bulacan finished second and got P15,000 cash prize; while Ma. Mikcaela Ann Guiam of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija landed on the third spot with P10,000 cash prize. 
 
John Neckel Dayrit from San Jose City, Nueva Ecija was also given a special award for having the most number of likes on Facebook. 
 
For the songwriting competition, Sarah Elizabeth Moral won the first place and most number of likes; Archie Coronel got the second place; while Errol Ernest Dytianquin placed third. 
 
They received P25,000; P15,000, and P10,000, respectively. 
 
Aside from the two contests, Nuyda said the DILG will be conducting various advocacy programs such as fun run, youth camp, and other similar advocacy campaigns in the coming months. 
 
“Illegal drugs have been a menace in our society, especially among the youth. That is why we in Central Luzon will be rolling out various activities targeted towards all sectors of the community. With this renewed war, we need the full support and participation of all communities to ensure the success of this advocacy,” he stressed. 
 
With this, he called on the public to contribute, participate, and personify a true BIDA by valuing life and staying away from illegal drugs. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)