MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)–The Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD)- 10 led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 strengthens its commitment to combat and eradicate illegal drugs in the region.
Renewing its commitment, the committee recently signed another memorandum of agreement (MOA).
“Through this agreement, we establish a formal framework that fosters inter-agency cooperation, coordination, and synergy. The BIDA [Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan] program embodies our collective resolve to address the multifaceted challenges posed by illegal drugs. It recognizes that an effective response requires a comprehensive and integrated approach encompassing intervention, rehabilitation, law enforcement, community engagement, and public awareness,” DILG-10 Regional Director Wilhelm Suyko said.
Initiated by DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., the BIDA program is an intensified and more holistic campaign to reduce the use and demand of illegal drugs through collaborative efforts by various government agencies and the community.
Meanwhile, Asst. Regional Director Yvette Tolentino Sunga explained that institutionalizing the committee creates a platform for the agencies involved to have a continuous collaboration that will ensure synchronized and efficient action among its members, thus helping to achieve the committee’s goal.
The Department of Education, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Youth Commission, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine Information Agency, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Philippine National Police, all in Northern Mindanao, including the army’s 4th Infantry Division demonstrate unwavering dedication to eradicating illegal drugs and combating the menace of substance abuse.
All member agencies fully commit to and support the committee’s advocacy. ICAD, along with its programs and projects targeting illegal drugs, aims to make a lasting difference in the lives of those affected by this scourge, ultimately advocating for a drug-free Region 10. (JAKA/PIA10)
Various government-lined agencies led by DILG-10 formally signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to Institutionalize the ICAD partnership on the BIDA Program, on November 20. (DCC/PIA10)
