Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos thanked the around 60k anti-illegal drugs advocates from various sectors who showed their support for the recent ‘Lakad Kontra Droga, BIDA Tayong Lahat!’ or ‘BIDA Walk.’

Held at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City last Saturday, the BIDA Walk was the highlight of the first-year anniversary of the country’s flagship anti-illegal drugs campaign, the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program.

“Natutuwa ang mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. sa ipinakita nating pagkakaisa laban sa iligal na droga. Kaya nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat ng gumising ng maaga para ipakita ang kanilang suporta para sa BIDA program at nakilahok sa ating BIDA Walk noong Sabado,” he said.

“Ituloy-tuloy lang natin ang ating pagkilos at pagiging bida laban sa droga para tuluyan nang maging drug-free ang ating bansa,” he added.

The DILG Chief led the 60K anti-illegal drug advocates at the event, which also included San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and former Senator Manny Pacquiao.

Representatives from various sectors, including the religious community, parent groups, Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials, local government personnel, and a group of recovering persons who used drugs (RPWUDs), were also present to show their support.

Uniformed personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) ensured peace and order within and around the perimeters of the starting points at the CCP Open Grounds, Cuneta Astrodome, both in Pasay City and SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City, as well as at the MOA Concert grounds.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) were on standby to provide first aid and act as first responders in the event of an untoward incident. Also, personnel from the DILG, its nearby Regional Offices, and attached agencies were present to show their unwavering support for the BIDA program.

“Malaki din ang pasasalamat ko sa aking DILG Family; mula sa mga civilian personnel hanggang sa mga uniformed men and women from the PNP, BFP & BJMP. This would not have been a successful event without your continuous support for the BIDA Program,” Abalos said.

“Sama-sama nating ipakita sa madla at sa mundo na tunay silang makakaasa sa ating pagiging Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahang mga lingkod-bayan kontra ilegal na droga,” he added.

Abalos also thanked the BIDA program’s partners: the SM Supermalls, Jollibee Foods Corporation and other private companies, and the most sought-after talents from partner entertainment networks GMA 7 and ABS-CBN.

Original Article at: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-thanks-60K-anti-illegal-drug-advocates-who-participated-in-Lakad-Kontra-Droga/NC-2024-1063