By Rowena Cruz Mayor Webster Letargo with Gumaquenos who joined the Department of Interior and Local Government's (DILG) Buhay Ingatan, ...
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| Mayor Webster Letargo with Gumaquenos who joined the Department of Interior and Local Government's (DILG) Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) advocacy zumbato show their support in the fight against illegal drugs. (Photos from of JO3 Michelle P. Merilloza/Gumaca District Jail) |
GUMACA, Quezon - At least hundreds of Gumaquenos joined the Department of Interior and Local Government's (DILG) Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) advocacy run to show their support in the fight against illegal drugs.
In conjunction with the celebration of National Heroes Day, the Local Government of Gumaca conducted the activities BIDA Bike, BIDA Run, and BIDA Zumba with the theme “BIDA HERO-Sayaw, Padyak at Takbo alay sa mga Bayaning Pilipino” in recognition of and paying tribute to the sacrifices of our heroes.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) of Quezon Province, through the Gumaca District Jail, worked with the DILG in organizing the BIDA advocacy activity to raise awareness about the negative effects of illegal drugs in our community.
The said activities are part of the Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan (BIDA) Kontra Droga Program with the aim of ending the use and sale of illegal drugs in the country, which is the root or main cause of the destruction of human life, poverty, and crime ballooning in the country.
The BIDA's advocacy activity includes various initiatives such as seminars, workshops, and community outreach programs to educate the public about the dangers of illegal drugs. Through these efforts, the BJMP Quezon Province and DILG aim to empower individuals to make informed choices and actively participate in creating a drug-free society.
DILG Regional Director Ariel Iglesia, CESO III, also showed support and gave a message along with DILG Provincial Director Abegail Andres CESO V, in the short program led by Mayor Webster Letargo and Vladimir Rocafor of the DILG.
In a speech Letargo said Gumaca is committed to eradicating the drug problem in the community and will continue to collaborate with government agencies to ensure
Former Chief of the BJMP and now DILG Under Secretary for Public Safety, the respected and revered Special Son of Gumaca Usec. Serafin Barretto Jr.,CESO IV also attended the event and expressed his full support for the town's efforts in combating drug abuse.
He emphasized the importance of a united front and encouraged the community to actively participate in programs aimed at creating a safer and drug-free environment.
"The BIDA activity is a national anti-illegal drug advocacy campaign that is considered crucial in the government's efforts to holistically empower communities and humanely eradicate illegal drugs by uniting national government agencies, local government units, private sectors, faith-based organizations, and civil society organizations." he said.
He also said the goal of the advocacy run was to raise awareness about the hazards of illegal drugs as well as promote a drug-free environment. "This BIDA activity is more than just a running and biking event, as it encourages the youth sector and individuals to engage in productive endeavors as responsible members of society, diverting them from illegal drug activities," he added.
Participants from various sectors of society showed their support for the campaign, including government officials, students, and locals such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC), Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), municipal hall offices, and different barangays.
Aside from the Fun Run and Fun Ride, other activities include zumba and a caravan, with an emphasis on drug demand reduction, drug rehabilitation, and a collective commitment from all sectors that embodies the spirit of unity and shared responsibility. (Photos courtesy of JO3 Michelle P. Merilloza/Gumaca District Jail, with reports from JO2 Joefrie B. Anglo/BJMP Quezon Provincial Office.)
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