The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday said it is encouraging the public to become BIDA
advocates, and help put an end to the country’s illegal drugs problem .
The government is set to launch its new anti-illegal drugs advocacy program dubbed as BIDA for “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan.”
It will be formally launched in Quezon City and in key areas of the country today, Saturday, November 26.
“Samahan n’yo kami at lumahok sa grand launch ng BIDA Program! Lahat tayo ay dapat kumilos na at maging bida laban sa iligal na droga. Sa ating mga kamay nakasalalay ang isang magandang bukas para sa ating mga kabataan na malaya sa salot ng droga,” said DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.
BIDA program is a nationwide anti-illegal drugs advocacy program involving local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), and other key sectors of society that will focus more on drug demand reduction and rehabilitation in the communities underscoring the role of drug enforcement agencies including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and others.
According to the DILG chief, the illegal drugs problem is a deep-seated issue that has continued to destroy relationships, families and the future of the youth, and it is high time for all sectors of society to take a stand and do their part through the BIDA program.
“Hindi natin puwedeng iasa na lamang sa Philippine National Police at sa Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ang kampanya laban sa iligal na droga dahil lahat tayo ay apektado dito. Kailangang lahat tayo ay kumilos na at makiisa para tuldukan ang salot na patuloy na sumisira sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan,” he said.
Since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assumed office in July this year, the PNP’s aggressive campaign against illegal drugs resulted in the seizure of some P9.7 billion worth of various illegal drugs confiscated and the arrest of 22,646 drug personalities in 18,505 anti-illegal drug operations nationwide.
Abalos said the anti-drugs campaign under the administration of President Marcos pioneers a different approach that will work “within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights and with focus on rehabilitation and socio-economic development.”
“Kung gusto nating masugpo ang problema sa iligal na droga, kinakailangan natin itong sugpuin sa puno. Kaya sa pamamagitan ng BIDA program, ang focus natin ay ang drug demand reduction sa tulong ng iba’t ibang sektor sa ating lipunan,” Abalos said.
The DILG Secretary said no less than the President is expected to lead the Metro Manila launch of the BIDA program at the Quezon City Memorial Circle in Quezon City, while regional launches will be held in Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Davao City.