![RUN FOR A CAUSE. Negros Occ. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson joins Board Members Valentino Miguel Alonso and Rita Gatuslao, and national BIDA ambassador, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez at BIDAlagan Aug. 15. DILG Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez also joined the Negrense officials and over 1,000 participants in the anti-illegal drugs advocacy run. [CAPITOL PHOTOS]](http://media.assettype.com/sunstar%2Fimport%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2F2023%2F08%2F17%2F457074.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
At least 1,000 Negrenses joined the BIDAlagan: A Negrense’s Advocacy Run Against Illegal Drugs, a collaboration that supports anti-drug endeavors and promotes healthy lifestyle, at the Capitol Lagoon and Park in Bacolod City on Tuesday, August 15.
Dalagan is a Hiligaynon term which means “to run” and “BIDAlagan” is inspired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) BIDA or “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” program which advocates commitment to prioritizing life and rejecting drugs.
The participants from various sectors were led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, DILG Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, and national BIDA ambassador, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez.
In her message, Gutierrez said the BIDAlagan 2023 demonstrates the Negrenses’ support to the goal of putting an end to the illegal drug problem as she expressed delight in the “overwhelming response” of the BIDA advocates in the city and the province.
“No less than the President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) himself has declared the war on drugs will continue and will remain relentless as ever. But this time, it will take on a new face, as he cited the multi-sectoral and holistic approach of the government through the DILG’s BIDA program, which aims to take on the drug menace by its roots through prevention, education and rehabilitation,” she added.
Gutierrez noted that since the official launching of the BIDA program in November last year, various rollouts, service caravans, seminars, workshops, fun runs, fitness sessions and other health and wellness activities have been conducted in more than 700 local government units all over the country.
Lacson said the BIDAlagan 2023 reinforces the provincial government’s commitment and resolve to combat illegal drugs.
“I urge everyone to continue supporting and raising awareness about the detrimental effects of dangerous drugs, not only through this event but also in various other ways. Thank you for dedicating your time to this worthy cause,” he added.
Benitez said engaging in sports offers a better alternative to prevent young people from engaging in vices.
“This BIDAlagan is a good start and let’s strive to make this a regular initiative to create a much louder call for everyone to ultimately say ‘no’ to illegal drugs,”. I hope we can have more programs for the youth. BIDA is really for everyone, but especially for the youth,” he added.