Abalos reports huge strides in BIDA’s anti-drugs campaign
INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos revealed that the second phase of the government’s Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program is well underway with a target of achieving a fully drug-free status in all localities.
Abalos was in Victorias City in Negros Occidental on Thursday, where he joined some 3,200 runners in the BIDAlagan Advocacy run held at Sidlak Global City.
As BIDA nears its first anniversary celebration, the DILG chief also reported the huge strides BIDA’s anti-drugs campaign had accomplished in 2023, with almost 500 barangays declared as drug-cleared.
“As of December last year, we have already achieved 76% or 458 drug-cleared barangays. Konti pa, and soon, we will achieve a fully drug-free status in all levels of local government,” he said.
BIDA’s first phase will end on March 23, with Abalos looking forward to a successful second year of the program.
In his speech, the DILG chief said that the second phase of the BIDA will be more on the grassroots and in rescuing those who fell victim to the vice, particularly young people.
Abalos was joined by Victorias City Mayor Javier “Javi” Benitez, DILG Asst. Secretary Elizabeth Lopez –de Leon, DILG regional and provincial directors and officials, in the kick-off event.
