The Department of the Interior and Local Government Catanduanes Provincial Operations Office in partnership with the Provincial Government of Catanduanes and the Local Government Unit of Virac, Catanduanes conducted the Provincial and Municipal Grand Launching of the BIDA Program today, March 3, 2023 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, Virac, Catanduanes.

This BIDA launching aims to expand community awareness at the local level and harness citizen participation to ensure strong buy-in and strong support of all the stakeholders for a comprehensive and intensified advocacy campaign against illegal drugs.

A Unity Walk and Fun Bike Ride from Camp Francisco Camacho and Imelda Boulevard, respectively, to the provincial capitol site, marked the beginning of the launch. The program started with a Zumba and followed by the program proper, which highlighted a ceremony to recognize excellent performance of Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADAC), a testimonial from a former PWUD, the message of support of Gov. Joseph C. Cua and Virac Mayor Samuel V. Laynes and signing of the pledge of commitment by all the heads of offices present, and finally, a coastal cleanup along the coastal areas from Cabugao to Palnab Del Sur.

In his opening message, DILG Provincial Director Uldarico S. Razal, Jr stressed that the fight against illegal drugs is not just a matter for the National Government, the DILG, the PNP, or the PDEA, and enjoined every member of the community to actively take part in the fight against illegal drugs towards achieving a safer, healthier, and drug-free Catanduanes.

PDEA Regional Office 5 Director Edgar T. Jubay also highlighted in his speech that the BIDA Program requires collective effort and that everyone needs to do their part and give their share. He emphasized that the barangays are in the frontline of the program being the major source of information as basis to initiate agency’s actions. He ended his speech by challenging all the participants to be an active advocate of the BIDA Program.

Various National Government Agencies (NGAs), Provincial and Municipal Government Officials and Employees, Municipal and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (M/BADAC) Members, KKDAT Members, Faculty Members and Students, and numerous Civil Society Organizations in the Province actively participated during the activity which was estimated at around 3,000 individuals.