OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)—Gov. Henry S. Oaminal has strengthened the anti-illegal drugs campaign in the province with the program called “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” (BIDA), which aims to focus on arresting drug sellers, rehabilitating users, and reducing drug demand.
Governor Oaminal, along with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Pablio “Jun” Benitez, led the orientation on the BIDA program and the assessment of the drug clearing program in the province held at Aya Hotel and Residences, Clarin.
Oaminal expressed his support for the anti-illegal drug campaign, emphasizing the importance of community support in order to prevent the public from engaging in illegal drug use and other vices.
“We are gathered together to make an assessment on how far Misamis Occidental nagpuyong malinawon (lived peacefully). Our goal here is that Misamis Occidental must be a drug-free province, a crime-free province, and insurgency-free,” he emphasized.
He also encouraged everyone to expand the fight against illegal drugs, stating that “in this war, we are all victims and casualties; we must take action to protect ourselves against the evil spread by this enemy (illegal drugs).”
He stated that in the province, they are implementing the cascading of the 5Ms; (Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon) to the barangay.
They have already initiated a call for all barangay officials to promote a peaceful environment. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of barangay officials to ensure peace within their respective barangays by eliminating users, addicts, sellers, and unauthorized possession of firearms. The aim is to create a community without troublemakers.
The governor also urged barangay officials to eliminate the proliferation of illegal drugs and maintain peace and order.
“We are guiding the barangay officials nga magpuyong malinawon not only in the community but also our family to have a harmonious, peaceful community. Ang kalinaw dili hingpit kung ato lang ipaubaya sa (peace will never be possible if we only leave it to the) police, law enforcers, and community but also kita mga (also us), leaders in the different fields sa atong tagsa-tagsa ka opisina (of our respective offices) and also in our family,” he added.
He added that the BIDA Program aims to strengthen institutions in implementing drug reduction activities, encourage multi-sectoral participation, secure commitments from national government agencies and partner organizations, and raise awareness through information, education, and communication materials.
The BIDA program is in line with the commitment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration to continue the campaign against illegal drugs within the framework of the law, with respect for human rights, and with a focus on rehabilitation and socio-economic development.
The program enjoins local government units, national government agencies, and other key sectors of society to focus on drug demand reduction and rehabilitation in the province. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
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