BAGUIO CITY – It’s all systems go for the much-awaited “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” (BIDA) regional initiatives which highlights the “BIDA Padyak” and the Zumba Fitness activity at Melvin Jones Grandstand on May 28, 2023, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cordillera said on Thursday.
In a statement on Thursday, the DILG CAR Regional Director Araceli San Jose said at least 3000 participants from various sectors are expected to join the BIDA Regional Caravan which is one of the strategies to gain support for the said advocacy.
“We are inviting all cyclists, bike enthusiasts, Zumba enthusiasts and other sectors to join us in this event to advocate against illegal drugs. Participating in this endeavor can be a powerful way to raise awareness and promote the fight against drug abuse. By working hand in hand, we can amplify our message and make a positive impact in combating illegal drugs,” she said.
Specifically, for “BIDA Padyak”, she said that around 500 biking and health enthusiasts from various sectors and local bikers’ associations from Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay (BLISTT) are expected to participate.
San Jose said that all registered participants are advised to be at the starting point at 4 a.m. The point of origin and the endpoint are both situated at the Melvin Jones Grandstand.
To recall, BIDA, which commenced operations in October 2022, is a response to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bolster the government’s anti-narcotics campaign by prioritizing the apprehension of drug lords, facilitating the rehabilitation of drug users, and mitigating drug demand.
RD San Jose underscored that the BIDA program addresses the demand-reduction side in the war against illegal drugs through interventions and can be done by addressing the root cause and providing employment opportunities and education to the grassroots or communities.
In the Cordillera, the Department together with the Regional Management Coordinating Committee (RMCC) are working together to organize and implement the regional initiatives. Such collaboration ensures the involvement and cooperation of different agencies and stakeholders in promoting the anti-drug campaign, raising awareness, and addressing the drug problem in the Cordillera region.
The Regional BIDA Caravan will be divided into the following events on May 28, 2023: cycling and the “Zumba” activity and the awarding of prizes for winners of the On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest and BIDA KA Creative Short Film.
As part of the regional BIDA Caravan, different government agencies will also set up booths to offer a range of services to the public. These services may include medical and health check-up, legal consultations, information dissemination, and other forms of assistance that can address the needs of the community.
San Jose said that by organizing a ‘Serbisyo Caravan’ as part of the BIDA program, the government aims to provide holistic support to the community, not only in addressing the drug problem but also in improving the overall well-being and quality of life of the people.
“The ‘Serbisyo Caravan’ aims to provide the public with convenient access to various services while promoting a sense of unity and collaboration among different government agencies in their efforts to combat drug-related issues,” she added. By PMTG/DILG
