(Contributed photo)

SAN JUAN CITY, (PIA) -- Thousands of Filipinos joined hands with government officials on Saturday in Pasay City to commemorate the first anniversary of the "Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan" (BIDA) program, underscoring the importance of community involvement in combating illegal drug use.

Nearly 60,000 anti-drug advocates and supporters participated in the "Lakad Kontra Droga, BIDA Tayong Lahat" (Walk Against Drugs, Let's All Be Winners) advocacy walk, which kicked off from three locations: the CCP Open Grounds, Cuneta Astrodome, and SMDC Festival Grounds. Participants converged at the SM Mall of Asia Globe Rotunda in Pasay City.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. led the walk alongside prominent figures like former Senator Manny Pacquiao, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairperson Romando Artes, and National Capital Region Police Office Regional Director Jose Melencio Nartatez.

Members and representatives of local government units, anti-drug advocacy groups, non-government organizations, the youth sector, and other stakeholders also participated, showcasing broad-based support for the BIDA program.

In his speech, Secretary Abalos emphasized the crucial role of families, schools, and communities in tackling the drug problem.

"As parents, we give everything to our children, only to have them exploited by drugs later in life. We cannot allow this to happen," Abalos said. "Let us help our police, the PDEA, and the NBI. Each of us has a role to play. The solution lies in our hands – that's the essence of the BIDA program."

Launched in 2023, the BIDA program aims to reduce drug use by empowering communities, promoting their participation in anti-drug activities, raising public awareness about the negative consequences of drugs, and reducing drug proliferation. Additionally, the program seeks to destigmatize drug addiction at the community level.

The DILG has partnered with various organizations in 2023 to solidify its commitment to fighting illegal drugs. These collaborations include partnerships with national sports leagues like the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), as well as media giants ABS-CBN and GMA Sparkle Artist Center.

The agency has also implemented random drug testing among its personnel and personnel from attached agencies, demonstrating its commitment to leading by example.