CAUAYAN CITY, ISABELA – DILG Secretary, Atty. Benjamic C. Abalos, Jr., led the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Grand Caravan in Cauayan City, Isabela as part of the Department’s continued fight against illegal drugs on April 01, 2023.
The grand caravan is a part of the overall national campaign in the regions for the BIDA program, intended to advocate the fight against prohibited drugs in the communities by engaging all stakeholders and the general public.
An estimated 3,500 individuals from local youth organizations, partner agencies, LGU personnel and officials participated in a series of BIDA activities such as early morning fun run, zumba, and a caravan at the Isabela Convention Center (ICON).
Sec. Abalos answers questions from members of the local media during the press conference
Addressing the participants during his keynote message, Sec. Abalos emphasized the need to address the root cause of the drug problem because nipping it at its branches just won’t cut it.
“Kailangan natin itong putulin sa ugat at kailangan din natin ang tulong ng isa’t isa upang mapagtagumpayan natin itong laban na ito,” he said.
He also presented the accomplishments of the Department and the law enforcement agencies have achieved so far, in eradicating the drug menace. A press conference was also arranged where he further discussed the BIDA program in response to the questions raised by the local media present.
Secretary Abalos also graciously took the time to meet and interface with the diligent and hardworking DILG field officers of region 2, where commended everyone as Cagayan Valley ranks as the top region for having the most number of declared drug-free barangays nationwide.
Present during the caravan are Isabela acting Governor, Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, Cauayan City Mayor, Caesar S. Dy, Jr., Isabela 6th District Representative, Faustino “Inno” Dy, DILG Undersecretary Lord A. Villanueva, Asst. Secretary Odilon L. Pasaraba, Public Affairs and Communications Director Marlo L. Guanzon, Police Lt. Gen. Rhodel O. Sermonia, PRO2 Director, Percival Antolin Rumbaoa and DILG Regional Director, Jonathan Paul M. Leusen Jr, and Assistant Regional Director, Elpidio A. Durwin.
