August 10, 2023

The province of Southern Leyte is solidly behind the government’s anti-illegal drugs flagship program Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) as all provincial local chief executives and representatives from different sectors joined DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday morning for the BIDA Fun Run and the provincial BIDA grand launching at the Maasin City Gym.

More than 6,000 runners and advocates from Southern Leyte, led by Gov. Damian Mercado and Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado, joined the launch and expressed their fullest support for the BIDA program through the recitation of a unity statement and the signing of the official manifesto.

“Maraming salamat sa mga mamamayan ng Southern Leyte dahil ipinakita n’yo na nakikiisa kayo sa adhikain ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. na tuldukan ang problema ng iligal na droga sa ating bansa,” he said.

During the event which coincided with the 23rd Cityhood anniversary of Maasin City, the DILG Secretary emphasized the urgent need for a collaborative partnership among the local government units (LGUs), national government agencies, and other sectors of the society to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs in localities through the BIDA program.

Prior to the provincial rollout, Abalos led a discussion with Southern Leyte leaders to discuss key cornerstones in local governance, which included the capacity of individuals and the family, transforming production sectors, initiatives against illegal drugs, and health and nutrition.

Meanwhile, Southern Leyte Gov. Damian Mercado said “If we work together to uphold the importance of life and intensify participation in anti-illegal drug campaigns, we will have a community that is more peaceful and more prosperous.”

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-rolls-out-BIDA-program-in-Southern-Leyte-6K-advocates-join-BIDA-launch-and-fun-run/NC-2023-1139