BIDA program gains support from Philippine Councilors League-Olongapo

The government's anti-illegal drugs advocacy campaign program Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan or BIDA got a big boost as the Philippine Councilors League- Olongapo City chapter signed a covenant with the Department of the Interior and Local Government expressing support and commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s vision of a drug-free society.

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos welcomed the support of PCL as he underscored the vital role of each sector of society — national government agencies, local government units, religious organizations, civil society, academe, and the private sector—in the whole-of-nation approach to put an end to the drug menace.

"Habang nanghuhuli ang ating mga pulis, NBI at PDEA, inuugat natin ang problema, gumagalaw tayong lahat. That is what BIDA is all about. It is not only about supply reduction but also about demand reduction,"Abalos said during the PCL Week celebration in Olongapo City.

"Itong laban na ito ay para sa mga anak natin, and we are going to approach it the right way," he added.

Among those who signed the BIDA Covenant were Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen Paulino Jr., PCL Olongapo Chapter President and National Secretary General Gina Gulanes Perez, Olongapo City officials and barangay captains, and PCL members from Region 3.

During the event, Abalos also urged LGUs and the councilors to wage a war not only on drugs but also on poor nutrition and stunting as statistics show that 1 out of 3 Filipino children are stunted.

He shared his best practices during his term as Mayor of Mandaluyong City when he launched programs targeting the nutrition of pregnant mothers and interventions in the first 1000 days of life of a child for optimum development. His initiatives earned for the city the highest award conferred to an LGU – the Nutrition Honor Award.

"What is important is we are all here right now. The government cannot do it alone. Everyone has a role here. Ang importante gawa, hindi salita," he said.