MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Department of Interior and Local Government established a collaboration with the Philippine Volleyball League during the kickoff of the league’s Second All-Filipino Conference.
The partnership is in line with BIDA (Buhay Ingatan Droga’y Ayawan) which aims to deter individuals from engaging in illegal drugs and activities. Basically, it helps eradicate these problems in the country which have played major roles in affecting its condition.
The BIDA program from DILG represents a heightened government initiative in the fight against illegal drugs and activities that have negatively impacted the local society. The program centers on neutralizing drug demand through a “grassroots approach” to effectively address and make actions of the drug issue that have damaged the vulnerable youth of the country.
The program was initiated last year, employing a multi-sectoral strategy to bolster the battle against illegal drugs. This aims to deter drug usage through its three core pillars: (1) prevention, (2), law enforcement, and (3) penology, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, on the other hand, encouraged local government units to intensify the program to effectively and thoroughly achieve its goals of spreading awareness and advocacy as provided by DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-025.
Sports, in particular, has been known as a healthy option that helps enhance an individual’s health and wellness. Its entertainment also helps encourage the youth to build potential careers in the sport and stay away from what harms them.
“The kids have role models to follow. And we have a lot of young kids who have role models in this league, of course, our athletes here. Ang laking bagay nitong partnership na ito. It talks about lifestyle, it talks about attitude change which is crucial in our demand reduction campaign,” Abalos said.
According to PVL President Ricky Palou, they have been conducting random drug testings for the BIDA program along with DILG in accordance with the Games and Amusement Board.
Palou said: “We believe in this endeavor. And we are very happy to join DILG in this campaign. We fully support the DILG drug program and we are going to really work to ensure that it will be successful,”
The collaboration is anticipated to enhance the league’s drug testing efforts for its players and staff, aligning with Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” as stated by Abalos.
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