September 22, 2023

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Agreement [MOA] with GMA-7 Sparkle Artist Center, making GMA 7’s Sparkle artists ambassadors of the anti-illegal drugs advocacy campaign Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program.

“I thank GMA network and the Sparkle Artists. We believe in the concept of bayanihan, and this is shown by GMA and Sparkle. You are truly a blessing to our campaign. If everyone will join, mananalo tayo laban sa iligal na droga,” DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said during the MOA signing at the GMA headquarters in Quezon City.

Among the new BIDA Ambassadors are Sparkle Artists Sanya Lopez, Ysabel Ortega, Bianca Umali, Derrick Monasterio, Ashley Ortega, Elle Villanueva, Radson Flores, Rabiya Mateo, Will Ashley, Allen Ansay, and Sofia Pablo.

“The PNP, NBI, and PDEA will do their jobs, but what’s important is changing the attitude and lifestyle. Kayo bilang mga Sparkle artists na ngayon ay BIDA ambassadors, mga idol ng mga kabataan, will just show them na it’s good to run, to enjoy all the good things in life, living healthy, avoiding vices. That is why this is a big help for us,” Abalos said.

For her part, GMA Senior Vice President Annette Gozon-Valdez said “we are honored to be chosen as partners in the DILG’s campaign against illegal drugs.”

In the MOA, GMA 7’s Sparkle artists will participate as BIDA Program Ambassadors and lead in disseminating the program’s message to their fans through their social media accounts. GMA 7 will likewise lead an internal awareness campaign for its employees on BIDA.

Meanwhile, the DILG shall closely coordinate with GMA 7 regarding information dissemination both on mainstream and social media, and extend assistance to GMA 7’s officers and Ambassadors in succeeding major BIDA events.

The MOA signing was followed by a recital of the Pledge of Commitment against the war on drugs, together with the Ambassadors.

The BIDA program is in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s whole-of-nation strategy against illegal drugs.

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-and-GMA-Sparkle-Artist-Center-partner-up-for-BIDA-campaign/NC-2023-1170