DILG’s anti-drug advocacy program launched in W. Visayas

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Region 6 launched on Tuesday the agency’s nationwide anti-illegal drugs advocacy program.

Dubbed “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” or BIDA Program, the launching coincided with the DILG’s 2022 Regional Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Awards ceremony held at Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo City.

The BIDA Program regional launch came a few months after the campaign officially kicked off.

DILG-6 Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero said the BIDA program is anchored on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration’s commitment to continue the fight against illegal drugs within the bounds of the law and with respect for human rights.

“This time around, we will go down to the root of the society – the family – and would focus on demand reductions through rehabilitation and socio-economic development,” he said.

The program also involved local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), and other key sectors of society.

“Kapag sama-sama, masasawata natin ang problema sa illegal na droga,” he said.

According to the DILG briefer in the BIDA program, it will be “a year-round advocacy program which aims to raise awareness and encourage participation from all sectors of the community in drug demand reduction.”

The program aims to reduce drug demand by empowering communities, engaging them in anti-illegal drug activities, and raising public awareness on the ill effects of drugs to reduce drug proliferation and destigmatize drug addiction at the community level. Further, the program aims to boost public awareness on various government efforts to combat the anti-illegal drugs problem.

It is deemed to raise awareness on the ill effects of dangerous drugs through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Materials; promote health and wellness; strengthen institutions in the implementation of drug demand reduction activities; and encourage multi-sectoral participation.

In Western Visayas, the designated BIDA Ambassador is Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez of Victorias City, Negros Occidental.