JORDAN, Guimaras – The streets of San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras came alive as hundreds of people from various Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), and other sectors gathered for the much-anticipated SaLBa-BIDA Fun Run. This event, held on June 27, 2024, drew participants of all ages, showcasing the community’s enthusiasm for fitness, fun, and commitment to anti-illegal drugs advocacy and disaster preparedness.
Starting at the Provincial Capitol, participants raced along the road going to the Guimaras Police Provincial Office in Barangay Alaguisoc and back to the capitol at a distance of about three kilometers. Dubbed as a color fun run, the runners were sprayed with water at the starting area and were splashed with color powder in various points along the route, thereby arriving at the finish line in a rainbow of shades.
SaLBa-BIDA is an acronym for Sagipin Lahat para sa Bayan, Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan. It is an innovative activity that combines disaster risk management and campaign against drug abuse in Guimaras. The activity is a partnership between DILG Guimaras and the Provincial Government, Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation, Liga ng mga Barangay, and various national government agencies including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine Army (PA).
DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan graced the activity as guest speaker. He praised the play of words on the SaLBa-BIDA, noting that “salba” in several languages mean “save”. He emphasized that the fight against illegal drugs is a whole of government undertaking. He further called to support the local and national officials, not only in the war against illegal drugs, but in all programs of the government.
DILG VI Assistant Regional Director Maria Calpiza J. Sardua, together with DILG Guimaras Provincial Director Roselyn B. Quintana, Guimaras Police Provincial Office Director PCOL Rhea Santos, Vice Governor Atty. John Edward Gando, Mayor Annabelle Samaniego of Sibunag, LNB President Marcelo Malones Jr., and SK Federation President Hannah Lisa Callejas, were among the notable personalities who attended the activity.
Vice Governor John Edward Gando, in his welcome remarks, assured those present that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) is very supportive of the anti-drug campaign. He cited the issuance of an SP ordinance mandating for random drug testing and penalizing provincial government employees found to be positive of drugs. He added that the ordinance had been replicated in the municipalities. Further, he recognized that, while the forthcoming construction of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge could bring economic opportunities, it can also introduce the risk of rising drug abuse incidents in the island province. With this, he said that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is ready to provide the necessary support for the enforcement of anti-illegal drug laws in Guimaras.
From young participants to barangay and local officials, to personnel of national government agencies, the event was a testament to the strong commitment of the Guimaras Province in Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign and Disaster Preparedness. This was strengthened by the signing of the Pledge of Commitment during the program.//