BAGUIO CITY (PIA)--The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR), in coordination with members of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) Advocacy Cluster, will spreahead the “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” (BIDA) first year anniversary on February 24, 2024 in Bangued, Abra.
The program will start with a zumba and a fun run. Abra governor Dominic Valera will welcome the participants, while DILG-CAR Regional Director Araceli San Jose will give the opening message.
DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. will deliver the anniversary message.
One highlight of the program will be the BIDA townhall meeting which aims to address important issues, educate, and empower individuals and families, offer expert insights, promote open dialogue, and inspire concrete actions towards creating a peaceful community.
According to Randolph Ligligon of DILG-CAR, the BIDA program is a national campaign of the DILG together with the collaborative efforts of other national government agencies, and local governmentunits committed and dedicated to eradicating the scourge of illegal drugs, and its harmful and destructive effects on the society.
“Since the launching of BIDA, nag improve po ng nag improve, and ang rationale po nito, from the regular prevention efforts, idinagdag natin dito iyong self-care which is the “Buhay Ingatan” as part of our endeavor to end illegal drugs. So last year, during the launching, DILG partnered with the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) to foster better engagement among Filipino youth, and will help encourage them to embrace a healthy lifestyle, and turn away from illegal drugs,” Ligligon said during the ICAD 1st Quarter meeting on February 7.
Ligligon shared that preparations for the anniversary are being planned out by the DILG and its attached agencies such as the Philippine Nationa Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, National Youth Commission,National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, and National Police Commission. (JDP/MAWC-PIA CAR)
