DILG launches BIDA Program to battle illegal drugs in DdO; Stakeholders ink commitments

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), together with the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), chaired by Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, launched today, November 13, 2023, the Buhay Ingatan Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Program as it celebrates the Drug Abuse Prevention Week (November 12-18).

Members of the PADAC, Capitol Employees, and Officials converged at the Provincial Capitol Grounds during the Monday Convocation to show support of the program, aiming to eradicate the menace of illegal drugs.

DILG Provincial Director Noel P. Duarte emphasized the BIDA Program as one of the flagship programs of the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., launched last year, to sustain the campaign within legal boundaries, uphold human rights, and prioritize rehabilitation and socio-economic development.

He expressed that this is not a program of a specific government official but a result of the collective efforts of every agency to successfully champion drug demand and supply reduction in society.

“The BIDA Program is not a new program, but this is the umbrella program of all anti-drug initiatives. This calls for the active participation of every agency…this refers to our joint efforts to combat drugs”, PD Duarte pointed out.

He likewise highlighted that the campaign for anti-illegal drugs should not be restricted to the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) or the Youth since most of the drug users, pushers, and financers primarily ages from 35-50 years old, saying “meaning kining advocacy on Drugs dapat dili lang ni SK but even sa atong regular activities diri sa kapitolyo” as the program envisions drug-free offices and province as a whole.

He ended his statement with encouragement that “dili lang unta kana ang atong solusyon kay kung sa medical field pa na, prevention is better than cure. To prevent, we start it from home, within our office, ourselves to advocate nga drug dependency is not a good habit”.

Meanwhile, Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, represented by Board Member Ruwina S. Gonzaga, led the singing of a unity statement along with stakeholders, forging each others commitment to counter the proliferation of illegal drugs and save Davaoeños from criminality and its ill effects.

Based on the 2022 evaluation, two out of the 11 municipalities, namely Mawab and Montevista, have qualified for national award this year as drug-free municipalities. They achieved 100% functionality in implementing anti-drug abuse programs through their respective Anti-Drug Abuse Councils.

Also present in the launching are the officials and representatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and among others. (Jaynus Fernandez, Photos by A. Dayao)