Asian Games medalists eyed as anti-drugs ambassadors
INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has urged the 33 Filipino medalists at the recent 19th Asian Games in China, to serve as ambassadors of the government’s flagship anti-illegal drugs advocacy program Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA).
Abalos’ call was made to encourage and inspire more Filipino youth to focus on sports and other healthy and productive activities, and turn away from the scourge of illegal drugs.
The DILG chief joined President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. during the “Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino” ceremony held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
“Inaanyayahan namin kayo na makibahagi at tumulong sa programang BIDA bilang mga ambassador. Kayo ang magiging boses ng BIDA para himukin ang mga kabataan na maging aktibo sa sports at ayawan ang droga,” he said.
President Marcos said the victorious Filipino athletes did the country proud and boosted the morale of the entire nation after conferring the medalists with the Presidential Citation Awards.
“To our hardworking coaches, the leaders of various sports associations, and of course, to our athletes, congratulations. On behalf of a proud and grateful nation, I salute and recognize the excellent performances that you displayed in the 19th Asian Games,” he said.
Marcos Jr. also promised to increase the national government’s funding support for the athletes going forward, in pursuit of achieving better results in future international competitions
According to Abalos, the 33 Filipino athletes who brought home medals from the recent 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China can serve as positive and effective role models for the Filipino youth, “as they have shown that engaging in sports can both be rewarding and beneficial for one’s health and well-being.”
