Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Benjamin Abalos Jr. underscored anew the significant role of the community in the fight against illegal drugs. Abalos spearheaded the launch of the ‘Buhay Ingatan, Dorga’y Iwasan’ (BIDA) program in Agusan del Norte here on Saturday. The DILG chief was joined by Agusan del Norte Gov. Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante; Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander Pimentel, chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council in Caraga; Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II, director of the Police Regional Office-Caraga; and Assistant Regional Director Donald Seronay, who is also the officer-in-charge of DILG-Caraga. ‘The family, especially the parents, have a big role in protecting the youth from illegal drugs. In our communities, the Sangguniang Kabataan and the rest of the officials have vital responsibilities in this fight against illegal drugs,’ Abalos said. BIDA is a holistic anti-illegal drugs campaign designed by the DILG to reduce drug demands in the communities through the support of national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), private sector, religious organizations, and civil society organizations. The program also envisions a war against illegal drugs that is anchored on the framework of the law, respect for human rights, and the implementation of rehabilitation and socioeconomic developments. ‘We will win this war against illegal drugs,’ Abalos said, adding that the continuity and effectivity of the campaign will rest on the unique values of Filipinos which are rooted in unity and faith in the family. The campaign against illegal drugs, he added, must be intensified not only in communities but also in schools, churches, and private and civic organizations. Amante also pledged all-out support to the BIDA program and called on the local chief executives in the province to give priority to the activities of the anti-illegal drug at the LGU levels. ‘Our province will directly benefit from the BIDA program, especially in its success. We need our unified commitment for an all-out participation for the BIDA program to succeed,’ Amante said. The launching of the BIDA program here started with an early morning advocacy run spearheaded by Abalos.
Source: Philippines News Agency
