INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary (DILG) Benhur Abalos on Saturday morning underscored the critical role of the family in the country’s war against illegal drugs.

“Tulungan natin ang mga kapatid, ang mga anak natin'” he said.

He continued: “Ipakita natin ang kagandahan ng buhay, ang tamang edukasyon, ang tamang barkada at pabayaan natin silang magkaroon ng kompiyansa to say no to drugs.”

He made the call on Saturday during the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program’s first-year anniversary celebration in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Abalos urged families to proactively join the government and put a halt in the longstanding influence of illegal drugs among Filipino youth.

“Mga kasama, tandaan niyo ito: lahat ng magulang, ang inaasam -asam sa anak niya ay magandang kinabukasan. Pero anong ginagawa nito (iligal na droga)? Sisirain ang kinabukasan ng ating mga anak. Hindi tayo papayag doon, ” he said.

” Lalabanan natin ang droga. At mananalo tayo rito.”

Abalos continued that the national government, through its law enforcement units Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency , and National Bureau of Investigation, is undeterred in its pursuit in stamping out the illegal drugs scourge in the country.

He, however, qualified that every family’s full cooperation is paramount in ensuring their success .

He advised attendees to focus on guiding the youth in building healthy habits, while authorities would focus on drug supply reduction efforts.

“Manghuli sila(awtoridad) . Pero habang pinuputol nila ang sanga ng puno, tayo naman (mga magulang) , ‘yung mga bata ay aalalayan natin,” he said.

Abalos cited some reasons for drug use among youth are peer pressure (barkada), experimentation, and family problems.

He continued that those factors can be prevented by guiding kids toward the right path, and showing them that life is worth living even without illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III, represented by Board Member Shiela Baniqued, thanked the DILG for the BIDA program and assured the province’s support in the national government’s campaign against illegal drugs.