June 21, 2023

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos, Jr. congratulated Tuesday the participants and winners of the first-ever Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Sportsfest for their sportsmanship and active participation in the sports activities as a way of showing their support for the objectives of the BIDA program.

“Maraming salamat at congratulations sa lahat ng nakilahok at mga nanalo sa BIDA Sportsfest sa loob ng dalawang linggo. May the same spirit of teamwork and cooperation that we showed during the sports activities be manifested as we continue to carry the torch of the BIDA program down to the communities,” Abalos said.

He also noted the immediate positive impacts of the BIDA Sportsfest within the Department, citing the formation of different sports clubs and organizations as per the initiative of different offices: “We were able to make a lasting impact with just a single event. With this, we are looking at the possibility of organizing future iterations of this sportsfest,” he said.

The DILG Secretary also said he hopes the event will inspire local governments to adopt creative ways to veer their constituents, especially the youth, away from illegal drugs and into worthwhile activities like sports.

“Let us explore more strategies to further our cause and amplify our message towards a drug-free country,” he said.

DILG Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez also highlighted the role of conducting such an event to bolster the message of the BIDA program and the importance of ‘walking the talk’ for the campaign standard bearers.

The awarding ceremonies officially closed the two-week long event where winners from major team-based sports such as basketball and volleyball and individual and indoor recreational events such as badminton, table tennis, ballroom, and poster making, among others, were recognized.

The BIDA Sportsfest was participated in by sports enthusiasts from the DILG Central Office, nearby regional offices, and attached agencies of the Department.

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-congratulates-BIDA-Sportsfest-participants-and-winners/NC-2023-1101