The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7 in partnership with the local government unit of Mandaue City hold a simultaneous activity for the Buhay Ingatan Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program on Friday morning, April 21, 2023.
The holistic anti-illegal drug campaign was conducted in three settings— community-based, workplace and school-based all in Mandaue City.
Women sector were the participants in the community-based at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex. Present were the women from different barangays who joined the Women’s Summit 2023.
Mandaue City Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede, DILG-7 Regional Director Leocadio Trovela, DILG Mandaue City Director Johnjoan Mende, city councilors Cynthia Cinco Remedio, Jennifer Del Mar and Malcolm Sanchez, Atty. Ebenezer Daryl Manzano of Mandaue City Substance Abuse Prevention Office, Election Officer IV Atty. Anna Fleur Abeljas-Gujilde of COMELEC Mandaue City, Mandaue Women’s Federation President Ramonita Manatad, and GAD focal person Apple Yu.
In his message, Trovela underscored the importance of women in the battle against illegal drugs.
“You have a big role since you are the one who nurtures and guides the members of the family,” he said. “Ang ating mga ina, auntie and sisters sila ay nagbibigay guidance.
DILG-7 also offered free legal services during the activity.
For the school-based activity, students and teachers in Mandaue City gathered at the San Roque Parish Pastoral Center for a training workshop on the creation of anti-drug advocacy materials like short audio-visual presentations or reels, and lecture on the role of Mandaue City Substance Abuse Prevention Office in drug and mental health awareness.
Speakers were DILG Information Officer II Christopher Mahilum and MCSAPO Psychometrician Mike Joshua Enmil, respectively.
Dir. Trovela also graced the school-based activity and stressed the vital role of the youth in drug prevention by raising awareness of the ill effects of illicit drugs on people and society through social media platforms.
LGMED assistant division chief Corina Balansag said that the Department is committed to mobilize the support of the different sectors of society to promote advocacy and education campaigns against illegal drugs.
“This is our way of widening our awareness campaign so you — the youth and the future of our nation — will have better understanding on the harmful social and health effects of illicit drug use. Hoping that soon, you will all grow into a better citizen and an altruist for a drug-free Philippines,” she added.
Meanwhile, the workplace activity was joined by barangay officials on the second floor of the San Roque Parish Pastoral Center.
LGMED Chief Celerino Magto Jr., LGOO V Jupiter Dawa and DILG-7 personnel led the conduct of various lectures and mandatory drug tests.
