More than a thousand Negrenses joined the “BIDAlagan: A Negrense’s Advocacy Run Against Illegal Drugs” at the Capitol grounds in Bacolod City on Tuesday, August 15.
BIDAlagan 2023, aims to establish and strengthen partnerships with local government units, agencies, and stakeholders in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City in support of anti-drug endeavors and to promote a healthy lifestyle, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said.
“I urge everyone to continue supporting and raising awareness about the detrimental effects of dangerous drugs, not only through this event but also in various other ways,” he told the participants of the advocacy run.
Participation in the illegal drug trade and substance use arises from a conscious but misguided choice, he said.
“Alongside our drug-clearing initiatives, effective communication and awareness efforts are crucial to instill the dangers of illicit drugs in people’s minds,” Lacson said.
Also present at the advocacy run were Negros Occidental Board Members Rita Gatuslao and Macho Alonso, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez – Negros Association of Chief Executives president, Juan Jovian Ingeniero – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director, DILG Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay, and Provincial Planning and Development Officer Ana Marie Lucasan.
BIDA or “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” was also launched as part of the activity, with DILG Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs and Communication, Margarita Gutierrez, as the keynote speaker.*