SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched in this province its nationwide anti-illegal drugs campaign “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” or BIDA Program.

In partnership with the Antique Provincial Government, through its Peace, Order, and Public Safety Office (POPS), the DILG’s BIDA Program intends to amplify among the Antiqueños the national government’s advocacy campaign against illegal and dangerous drugs.

For her part, DILG Western Visayas Assistant Regional Director Maria Calpiza Sardua sought the continuous support of the public in promoting the aspirations of the BIDA program toward a drug-free Antique.

Citing the accomplishment of 99.66% drug cleared/unaffected barangays in Antique, Sardua lauded the concerted efforts of the Provincial Government, Antique Police Provincial Office (APPO), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and other concerned agencies and offices in keeping the community protected from illegal drugs.

Freedom Park in San Jose town, a poster-making contest followed at the Old Provincial Capitol participated in by at least 16 students from various high schools.

To mark the official launch of the BIDA Program in Antique, the Municipality of San Remigio also inaugurated its own “Balay Silangan” Reformation Center, the fourth of its kind in the province and the 68th in the entire region.

Serving as a facility to reform drug surrenderers into self-sufficient and law-abiding citizens, PDEA Antique Asst. Provincial Officer Jose Maria Real said that the Balay Silangan is the compassionate way of enforcing the anti-illegal drugs law. (AGP/BPS/PIA Antique)