About 3,200 participants joined the BIDAlagan Advocacy Run Against Illegal Drugs at the Sidlak Victorias Global City in Victorias City on Thursday, March 14.
BIDA Ambassador and Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez led the fun run together with the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, Benjamin Abalos Jr.
The run was held to turn their advocacy into action, to ensure a drug-free Victorias, Benitez said.
Abalos commended Benitez for his “astute leadership and forward-thinking approach” and recognized the pivotal role of local leaders in spearheading positive social changes within their respective communities.
Seventy six percent of the barangays in Negros Occidental had been declared drug-cleared as of December 2023 indicating substantial progress in the campaign against illegal drugs, Abalos said.
Abalos commended Benitez for his “astute leadership and forward-thinking approach and recognized the pivotal role of local leaders in spearheading positive social changes within their respective communities”.
DILG Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Lopez-De Leon, national government agency heads and representatives, and city officials also joined the advocacy run.
BIDAlagan underscores Victorias City’s steadfast commitment to eradicating the scourge of drug addiction and creating a safer environment for all residents, a press release from the city said Friday.
As the city continues to make significant strides in the BIDA anti-illegal drugs campaign, the concerted efforts of government agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders remain paramount in safeguarding the well-being and prospects of its populace, it said. *
Caption
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. with the BIDAlagan Advocacy Run Against Illegal Drugs participants in Victorias City.*