THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) named Victorias City Mayor Javier “Javi” Miguel Benitez as one of their ambassadors of “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” (Bida).

Bida is a drug demand reduction campaign of the Philippine National Police during their grand launch at the Quezon Memorial Circle, Metro Manila, a statement from the city government said.

The mayor graced the inauguration with DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., some Metro Manila mayors, and other national government agencies.

Benitez with the Victorias City Police led the local grand launching of the advocacy campaign with the City Officials, Punong Barangays, Sangguniang Kabataan, religious organizations, national government agencies, and other concerned sectors.

In his message, Benitez distinguished Bida from other anti-drug campaigns as it is not all about apprehension but rather an integrated approach of prevention, protection, and reintegration.

"It (Bida) delves into the root cause of the problem," he said. (PR)