The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) harnessed the support of partner national government agencies (NGAs), league of local government units (LGUs), private sectors, faith-based organizations (FBOs), and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the campaign against illegal drugs through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as it launched last Friday the ‘Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan’ or BIDA Program at Rizal Park Hotel in Manila City.

BIDA program is an intensified and more holistic campaign against illegal drugs to reduce drug demand in the communities underscoring the PNP, PDEA, NBI & other agencies of government’s continued intensity in the war against drugs within the framework of the law, with respect for human rights, and complemented by rehabilitation and socioeconomic development.

DILG Secretary Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. said that the key to successful illegal drugs demand reduction is a collective action focused on the grassroots while targeting not only rehabilitation but also prevention by fostering anti-drug education at every level, from national programs to barangay activities and school events.

“We need all hands on deck, and communities, schools, and families are at the heart of it all. This fight [against illegal drugs] is not the national government’s alone, nor the Philippine National Police’s (PNP); we must involve and empower the local government units (LGUs), the Barangay Anti-Drug Councils (BADACs), local institutions, the church, CSOs, and even individuals to join in on this fight,” Abalos said.

“Nananawagan ako sa inyong lahat na patuloy tayong magkaisa. Sa ating mga mayors, kasama sa Gabinete, mga kapwa lingkod bayan at mga kapwa ko Pilipino, dinggin po natin ang panawagang magkaisa upang tuldukan ang mapanirang epekto ng iligal na droga,” he added.

Abalos said that the MOU seeks to unify efforts of stakeholders against illegal drugs with the DILG leading in the formulation of policy; spearhead the overall implementation of the program from the Central to the LGU level; coordinate and provide technical assistance to LGUs; and, develop information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and collaterals.

He said that the LGUs shall mobilize the support of various local departments, offices, and other key stakeholders and work closely with DILG in the implementation of the BIDA program.

He added that the NGAs are urged to work closely with the DILG, support drug-demand reduction activities, and provide technical assistance while the CSOs and FBOs shall assist in the implementation of drug-demand reduction activities and spearhead advocacy and education campaigns in the communities.

Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairperson Catalino S. Cuy signified the Board’s full support to the DILG’s initiative together with Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) Treasurer Atty. Ananias L. Canlas, Jr. and Rev. Fr. Jerome R. Secillano for the FBOs who expressed their full support to the BIDA program. “Asahan po ninyo ang aming supporta,” Canlas said.

The DILG Chief said that among the partners who signified their support to the DILG on illegal drug campaign in the said MOU signing are the ULAP, League of Provinces of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Liga ng mga Barangay, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Junior Chamber International, Association of Anti-Drug Abuse Coalition of the Philipines, Inc., Iglesia ni Cristo, The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, Imam Council of the Philippines, Inc., Department of Justice, Department of Health, Department of National Defense, Department of Finance, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, DDB, Commission on Higher Education, and Department of Education.

Continues efforts vs illegal drugs

In the same event, DILG Secretary Abalos said that the PNP arrested 12,578 drug personalities in various anti-illegal drugs operations and confiscated illegal drugs with an estimated worth of over P1.8 billion since July 1, 2022.

He also said that sustained information drive led to 330 illegal drug surrenderees to police stations nationwide. Among the notable accomplishments of the PNP against illegal drugs, he added, were the P480-million worth of shabu seized in Pampanga in July and the P173-million worth of shabu confiscated in Quezon City.

“When I assumed office, during the first month pa lamang, nakakuha na agad ang PNP ng P480-million worth of shabu in a drug operation sa Pampanga. While we acknowledge that these are no small wins, there is still a lot to be done to truly eradicate the drug menace in the country,” the DILG chief said.

Abalos said that over 24,000 barangays have been declared drug-free since 2016, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the police organization and its incessant implementation of anti-illegal drugs measures. He likewise said that 11,000 barangays remain afflicted by illegal drug use.

“Salamat sa PNP sa patuloy na pagtupad sa kanilang tungkulin na protektahan ang ating mga mamamayan. Saludo ako sa inyong husay at katapangang napakalaki po ng inyong ambag sa kaayusan at kapayapaan ng bansa. Tiwala ako na marami pa tayong magagawa upang puksain ang iligal na droga sa hinaharap,” he said.###