CABARROGUIS, Quirino (PIA)- – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the provincial government of Quirino recently conducted a youth forum in line with the observance of the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) at the Cabarroguis Municipal Gymnasium in Barangay Zamora, this municipality.
Dubbed “Buhay ay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Kabataang Malaya sa Droga”, the youth forum was participated in by the Local Youth Development officers, Sangguniang Kabataan chairpersons and representatives, and Youth Organization representatives of the province and its six municipalities.
The BIDA program, a flagship program of the DILG, is a holistic approach to countering the proliferation of illegal and dangerous drugs by empowering and intensifying the crucial role of every stakeholder.
Jennifer G. Baguisi, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) assistant division chief who spoke on behalf of Regional Director Agnes De Leon, said the youth constitute a significant portion of the population, making their involvement crucial in shaping a drug-free future for the nation.
“You are agents of change and influence. You possess the dynamism and idealism needed to inspire positive behaviors and attitudes towards drug prevention and rehabilitation,” Baguisi said.
In terms of education and awareness, Baguisi said the youth can actively participate in disseminating accurate information about dangerous drugs as she called on the youth leader to encourage their peers to make and form accurate decisions.
“Our youth can be a positive role model by choosing to live a drug-free lifestyle. In our mission to ensure a brighter and healthier future for our next generation, we must empower our young people to make informed decisions and resist the pressure of drug use,” Baguisi added.
For her part, Acting Vice Governor Babylyn G. Reyes, who represented Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua, urged the youth leaders to do their work well and collaborate with local officials and national government agencies to advance various initiatives that will improve the living conditions of the youth and in the fight against illegal drugs.
The topics discussed were the drug situation in the province by Agent Leoring Joy Valdez of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency; Revitalized Police sa Barangay (R-PSB) by Police Major Sharon Malillin of Police Regional Office 02; and Personality Development and Self-Care and Understanding Interpersonal Skills and Conflict Resolution by Guidance Counselor Jennifer O. Serrano of Quirino State University-Cabarroguis campus.
In her closing message, OIC Provincial Director Karen Joy C. Pablico-Castro urged the youth leaders to be the light in their respective communities.
“Lead with impact and authenticity. Inspire and influence as we make lasting difference in the lives of others as we foster a growth mindset. Harmonizing one’s vision to create a transformative leadership that leads a lasting positive impact,” Pablico-Castro said. (OTB/TCB/PIA QUIRINO)
