June 23, 2023

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. takes his anti-drug campaign Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) a step further in Pola, Oriental Mindoro, by hosting a feeding program with the local government unit (LGU) and distributing slippers to Mangyans.

During the first day of the activity on Wednesday, at least 250 Mangyans received BIDA slippers, and 520 daycare pupils were served lugaw by Abalos, Pola Mayor Jennifer Cruz, and other officials.

Abalos and Cruz also led the BIDA Fun Run and Zumba activity early Thursday morning, which was participated in by around 500 runners.

Also, part of the said activity, which coincided with the Sab-Uyan Festival celebration of the municipality, were judging and awarding of BIDA posters and signing of Pledge of Commitment for the BIDA program.

In his message, the DILG Secretary said BIDA is an intensified and more holistic campaign against illegal drugs involving all sectors of society to reduce drug demand in the communities alongside law enforcement.

“Ang vision natin, we will fight this [drugs], hindi lamang ang PNP, PDEA at iba pang mga ahensya. Every sector, everyone has a role here and this is what BIDA is all about,” he said.

Also present during the program were DILG MIMAROPA Regional Director Karl Caesar Rimando, and DILG Oriental Mindoro Provincial Director Ma. Victoria Del Rosario, Congressman Arnan Panaligan of the First District of Oriental Mindoro, and Police Regional Director PBGen. Joel Doria, among others.

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-Pola-LGU-distribute-slippers-to-IPs-host-feeding-program-during-BIDA-relaunch-in-Oriental-Mindoro/NC-2023-1104