The Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Program, in line with the current administration’s commitment to continue the campaign against illegal drugs was successfully launched in Region XIII – Caraga with the Rollout for the Province of Agusan del Sur and Butuan City on July 1, 2023 (Saturday).

This regional event was spearheaded by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XIII – Caraga in partnership with the Philippine National Police – Regional Office XIII, Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) XIII – Caraga, Province of Agusan del Norte, Butuan City with support from the members of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).

Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) graced the regional event, together the DILG Assistant Secretaries: ASEC Lilian M. De Leon, Assistant Secretary for International Relations and Florida M. Dijan, CESO III, Assistant Secretary for Human Resource Development. They were joined by the DILG Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS) Director Debie T. Torres, CESO V.

Around 3,700 participants joined the Kick-off ceremony highlighted the BIDA Run from Butuan City Sports Complex of Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City to the Province of Agusan del Norte Covered Court.

Atty. Abalos consistently emphasized the need to increase awareness against the use of illegal drugs by empowering the youth and every individual by promoting a healthy, balanced and active lifestyle. In his presentation, he clearly highlighted the role of everyone on the fight against illegal drugs.

Provincial Governor of Agusan del Norte - Hon. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante fully expressed her support during the BIDA Run and expressed the importance of family in ensuring a drug-free community during her message before the Declaration of the BIDA Run.

Activities during the BIDA Regional Launching and Rollout were the following:

Part I:   Kick-off Ceremony: BIDA Fun Run, BIDA Taebo, BIDA Dance
              Promotion, Awarding of First Five (5) Finishers for Male and Female
              Category for the BIDA Run Marathon

Part II:  Groundbreaking Ceremony of Butuan City Central Police Station

Part III: Grand Launching and Rollout Program Proper at Dottie’s Place Hotel

              BIDA Messages of Support

              Awarding of Winners and Judges of the Short Film and Creative
                 Painting Contests

              Signing of BIDA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

  Signing of BIDA Unity Statement

Part IV: BIDA Serbisyo Caravan

The BIDA Program is pursuant to Executive Order No. 66, known as Institutionalizing Philippine Anti-illegal Drugs Strategy or PADS designed as a holistic approach in countering the proliferation of illegal and dangerous drugs. It strengthens the supply and demand reduction efforts by galvanizing the support of the community, duty bearers and other stakeholders in drug use prevention law enforcement and rehabilitation.

Strong support and active participation were given by the different stakeholders in the region from the regional line agencies, private and business sectors, youth sector, provincial, city, municipal and barangay officials, civil society organization and other relevant groups and organizations during the regional event.

Also present during the BIDA Part II - Program proper was the Provincial Governor of Surigao del Sur and the Chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) – Hon. Alexander T. Pimentel and some Mayors of the Province of Agusan del Norte. ## (LGOO VI Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa)