“Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan”

CADAC Booth
CADAC Booth

I was quite tired from waking up early in the morning last Saturday to attend an event to support the launching of the "Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan” (BIDA) program led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). But then my beating heart woke me up, as substance abuse prevention has been my advocacy since I was 22.

So, when I arrived at People's Park, where the event took place at 5:40 AM, I saw many who supported the launching, and I learned that some arrived as early as 4:30 AM. Whew, I thought I was one of those that are early birds!

Mayors from different municipalities were present, Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officials, firefighters, and government and private employees. Of course, the ever-active City Anti-drug Abuse Council (CADAC) Action Officer, Micheal Denton P. Aportadera, and the Center Against Illegal Drugs (CADAC) Director, Ms. Grace Monocillo, and Social Work students were present to witness the event.

While watching the video where DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos presented the problem of substance abuse, I agree that this crisis is damaging the users and has, over the years, destroyed relationships. Families shattered, friendships ended, youth dreams ruined, and killings continued. Hence, the BIDA program centering on drug demand reduction and community-based rehabilitation will continue to help drug reformists live clean and better life.

In addition, in the video presentation, President Ferdinand “Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. is serious about continuing and strengthening the government initiatives on "laban kontra droga". And this program also aims to improve awareness by utilizing information, education, and communication (IEC) materials.

So, to end up drug addiction, I share the goal of DILG, that it is the depths of the tree's roots that we need to cut. Because when the branches frequently are cut, they will never kill the roots that cause madness to many. So, the power to stop the drug problem lies in ending the sources.

Oh, I did not regret waking up early to witness the nationwide simultaneous grand launching of "BIDA." I have always believed that grabbing opportunities such as attending this type of activity is a gift. We must remember that we only have today, and yesterday will be gone. And tomorrow may be uncertain. So, let us all be willing to sacrifice to witness or experience opportunities. Now, I can say to the world, let us all practice "BIDA." Let us altogether campaign for "Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan."

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