Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos, Jr. emphasized the urgency of identifying and resolving the nation’s primary issue with drug addiction without delay.
Abalos stressed this during the launch of BIDA B.I.K.E.R.S. (Bawal na gamot ay Iwasan, Magandang Kalusugan, Ehersisyo ay ReSponsibilidad Ko) Team Up with Kapitolyo For Life that started and ended at the Bulacan Sports Complex, Brgy. Bagong Bayan, City of Malolos after finishing the 20 km rout.
He said that majority of the country’s criminal cases mostly came from drug related cases.
“Sa lahat ng kasong nakasampa sa husgado, 60-70% ay drug-related.”
“Sa lahat ng kasong nakasampa sa husgado, 60-70% ay drug-related. Ang droga ay parang puno, maski putulin mo ang sanga posibleng magkaroon ng bagong sanga. Tulungan natin ang pulis, tulungan natin ang PDEA, tulungan natin ang NBI. Habang nanghuhuli sila, bago may pumalit na bago ay tumbukin natin ang problema, ugatin natin agad,” Abalos said.
Aside from fighting against illegal drugs, Governor Daniel Fernando also mentioned that the programs key objective also includes promoting a healthy lifestyle within the province and that Bulakenyos should also urge themselves to focus on their health.
“Ang malusog na pamumuhay ay hindi lamang responsibilidad ng bawat isa, kundi isang layunin ng buong lalawigan.”
“Ang malusog na pamumuhay ay hindi lamang responsibilidad ng bawat isa, kundi isang layunin ng buong lalawigan. Sa tulong po ng BIDA, hinihikayat natin ang ating mga kababayan na maging bahagi ng solusyon sa mga problemang panlipunan gaya ng bawal na gamot at iba pang panganib sa kalusugan,” Fernando said.
A total of 2,775 bikers from different cities and towns in Bulacan pedaled through barangays Sta. Cruz and Sta. Rita, Guiguinto; Poblacion, Plaridel; and Mojon, City of Malolos to participate in the said campaign advocacy against illegal drugs and yes to a healthy lifestyle.
The BIDA Bikers Program was also attended by Vice Gov. Alexis Castro, Provincial Administrator Antonette Constantino, Board Members Romina Fermin, Allan Andan, and Cezar Mendoza, DILG Undersecretary Atty. Margarita Gutierrez, Undersecretary Atty. Odilon Pasaraba, Congressmen Salvador Pleyto and Danny Domingo, Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad, Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs and Communication Margarita Gutierrez, Police Regional Office 3 Director BGen. Jose Hidalgo, Jr., Bulacan Police Provincial Office Director Col. Relly Arnedo, Bulacan BFP Provincial Fire Marshal Supt. Janeth Jusayan, and PGB department heads and employees.
Aside from being a part in Singkaban Festival 2023, BIDA Bikers Program was launched in support to Republic Act 6975 or DILG Act of 1990 which aims to operationalize and initiate the call for a tangible reform in the country’s public safety services, particularly for the uniformed bureaus under DILG.
