Republic of the Philippines

Strengthening the national development roadmap through an intensified national and local government connections is the direction of the visit of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. in Iloilo City on January 18-19, 2023. This is in line with the role of the DILG in setting the LGUs towards the thrusts of the Department, in view of the 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan. A dialogue between SILG Abalos, Local Chief Executives and the Presidents of the Leagues of the Barangays in the region was arranged. Key national government agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) were also invited to take part in the dialogue which focused on the agency’s thrust to improve economic strategies, social transformation, and peace and order of local government units. Moreover, SILG Abalos set a meeting with the Regional Management Coordinating Council (RMCC) 6 composed of the DILG-LG Sector, PNP, BFP, BJMP and PNPTI to emphasize his peace and order agenda focusing on the government’s call to fight against illegal drugs, through the Department’s ‘Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan’ or BIDA Program. Various topics were discussed during these meetings of SILG Abalos such as the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling, updates on the campaign against illegal drugs, and the status of funds for the local government unit (LGU) projects. SILG Abalos said that the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling will create a full devolution of powers and resources to the local government units by leaving to them the management and budget of basic services and facilities in their localities. “It is foreseen that local services might be affected with the devolution. We will divide LGUs into four Capacity Performance Quadrant: 1) High Capacity and High Performing LGUs; 2) High Capacity and Low Performing LGUs; 3) Low Capacity and High Performing LGUs; and 4) Low Capacity and Low Performing LGUs. With these four quadrants, there could already be interventions. It is important that we should always be in touch in each and every governors and mayors to make sure there is continuity of services.” SILG Abalos said. It was explained by DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan that the classifying of the LGUs in Capacity Performance Quadrant is based on the result of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) in 2019-2020 and 2021-2022. This is the strategy to focus on the LGUs’ need for interventions coming from the national government agencies. “We can be more specific on our targets and identification of the LGUs and naturally we will focus on the low capacity and low performance local government units. We will be working with the other national government agencies because sectoral agencies have more technical competencies than just the DILG.” Usec Iringan said. The updates of the campaign against illegal drugs were presented in which the call for a courtesy resignation of the full colonels and generals were also further explained by SILG Abalos as one of the government’s efforts to cleanse the ranks of the police organization of those involved in illegal drugs. Likewise, there is an on-going investigation on all other high ranking officials in the government that were linked to illegal drugs since the previous administration. “The police are supposed to be the ones to apprehend the drug lords. Importante talaga ang pagkakaisa ng mga police and likewise, malaking bagay din dito ang local government on the ground. Kaya nga ang sinabi ko, I want the help of the BADAC because this is the grassroots. They are the ones who are knowledgeable of the situation in their community.” The funds of the LGUs for the unfinished projects in previous years was also one of the issues and concerns raised in which according to SILG Abalos, letter was already sent through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) with the advice for the LGUs to return the funds. At present, all LGUs are encouraged and constantly reminded of the completion of the projects in order to avoid the same problem to occur. In his visit, SILG Abalos took the opportunity to attend ceremonial turnovers of different DILG infrastructure projects under the Local Government Support Fund Programs – Support to the Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) and Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU). SILG Abalo’s visit is part of the present administration’s efforts to build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society for every Filipino, a resonating call embodied in Ambisyon Natin 2040.#

Strengthening the national development roadmap through an intensified national and local government connections. This is the direction for Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. visit in Iloilo City on January 18-19, 2023. This is in line with the role of the DILG in setting the LGUs towards the thrusts of the Department, in view of the 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan. A dialogue between SILG Abalos and Local Chief Executives in the region is likewise arranged, which will center on the DILG’s thrust to improve economic strategies, social transformation, and peace and order of local government units. Key National Government Agencies (DOH, DSWD, DICT) were invited to take part in the dialogue. Moreover, Atty. Abalos is set to meet with the Regional Management Coordinating Council (RMCC) 6 composed of the DILG-LG, PNP, BFP, BJMP and PPSC to emphasize his peace and order agenda focusing on the government’s call to fight against illegal drugs, through the Department’s ‘Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan’ or BIDA Program. Likewise, he will be attending ceremonial turnovers of different DILG infrastructure projects under the Local Government Support Fund Programs – Support to the Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) and Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU). SILG Abalos’ visit is part of the present administration’s efforts to build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society for every Filipino, a resonating call embodied in Ambisyon Natin 2040.#

Amid reports of the continued existence of so-called “ninja cops” in the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr. today called for the courtesy resignation of full colonels and generals of the PNP as part of the government’s efforts to cleanse the ranks of the police organization of those involved in illegal drugs, saying that it will be an “act of honor” to rebuild the reputation and integrity of the PNP. According to Abalos, the ranks concerned are the most sensitive and critical positions in the PNP, hence the need for a swift solution to the problem. “I am appealing to our full colonels and generals in the PNP to submit a courtesy resignation because this is the only way that we can cleanse the ranks of the PNP nang mabilis,” said Abalos during this morning’s press conference held at the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Abalos clarified that the courtesy resignation is effective only upon acceptance. Pending acceptance, the officer may continue in his position. “Kung wala kang ginagawang masama, there’s nothing to worry about. Tuloy lang ang trabaho. We just want to start fresh with a clean slate,” he added. He said there is a need to take a radical approach versus illegal drugs by cleansing the PNP because it is unfair to the majority of the police officers who are putting their lives on the line everyday to combat illegal drugs while some of their bosses in the organization are behind illegal drug trade. “Maraming pulis ang binubuwis ang sarili nilang buhay para sugpuin ang iligal na droga, ayun pala boss nila ang kalaban nila. Napaka-unfair naman sa majority sa ating kapulisan na matinong nagtatrabaho,” he said. Ninja cops are police officers involved in the illicit re-sale of confiscated illegal drugs. Abalos said there will be a committee of five trustworthy persons, whose names he did not divulge for their security, who will be on top of going through the pertinent records to find out who are involved in illegal drugs. “Please be with me in this fight.  Ang laban na ito ay hindi para sa atin, kundi para sa ating mga anak, sa ating bansa, at para sa kinabukasan,” he said. ###

For the fifth time, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been cited by the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) for its efforts in scaling up the level of competence of its officials as it was recognized as the fifth best national government agency (NGA) with the highest Career Executive Service Performance Evaluation System (CESPES) compliance rate for 2021 (90%) and one of the Top 5 NGAs with the highest CES occupancy rate (58.10%) as of September 30, 2022. DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos, Jr. said both awards are testimonies to the Department’s commitment and support to CESB’s efforts to upskill and reskill government workers; its excellent contribution to the digitalization of the CESPES; and for placing CES Officers (CESOs) and CES Eligibles (CESEs) to career positions in the Department. He expressed gratitude to the CESB for the accolades which are manifestations of the Department’s hard work and dedication to raising the level of competence of its human capital and nurturing them to become reliable civil servants. “We send our heartfelt appreciation to CESB for these recognitions. Moving forward, DILG ensures that we will continue enhancing the skills, knowledge, working conditions and career development of our employees to live up to the Department’s brand of public service – one that is ‘matino, mahusay, at maaasahan’ – and take part in the realization of the development goals of the Marcos administration,” Abalos said. The DILG Secretary said the recognitions manifest the Department’s commitment to upholding the high standards of the Quality Management System in order to deliver efficient technical and administrative services, promote good local governance and achieve client satisfaction. Established by the CESB, CESPES is the official semestral performance evaluation system for the members of the CES, which serves as the basis for personnel actions such as promotional appointments, salary adjustments, and granting of incentives. Moreover, the DILG Chief said that the Department was also hailed as one of CESB’s Outstanding Human Resource (HR) Partners in 2022 for advancing support and learning initiatives for CES. Abalos also credited this citation to Assistant Secretary for Human Resources Development Florida M. Dijan, who was honored by CESB for her distinguished service in the government. “We commend Asec. Dijan for her innovative and proactive strategies in the Department and of course, the whole DILG HR personnel for their efforts in future-proofing the DILG’s workforce in order to meet the present and future needs and build a strong organization that can overcome internal and external challenges,” he said. Based on Executive Order No. 80, the Enhanced CESPES instruments include the following Performance Commitment and Review Components: Organizational Strategic Objectives, Office Performance Objectives, Performance Outcomes, Ratee’s Performance Commitment/s and Ratee’s Performance Results. These are aligned with the 6 core competencies, the Strategic and Critical Thinking, Leading in a Continuously Changing Environment, Empowering/Developing Others to Establish Collective Accountability for Results, Linkaging and Networking for Productive Partnerships, Planning/Organizing for Greater Impact, and Driving Performance for Integrity and Service. During the 49th Founding Anniversary and 2022 Career Executive Service Lifelong Learning for Leadership Congress (2022 CESCON) held recently, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. urged CESOs and CESEs to carry out their mandates efficiently and proactively and utilize their learnings to effect changes amidst all the obstacles facing the country. “But as we take the daunting task that is ahead of us, I ask you to actively take part in pursuing this Administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda — policies that promote social justice, ensure food security, accelerate progress, protect our environment, and address climate change,” the President said. Themed “RebounCES: Bounce Back Better,” the 2022 CESCON provided an avenue for the oath-taking of 96 new CESEs who passed the CES Eligibility Examination, the graduation of the Leadership and Management Proficiency Program Class of 2022, the annual tribute to retiring CES members and recognition of CES Partners. ###

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) today urged all local government units (LGUs) to raise awareness among their constituents on the newly-enacted Republic Act No. 11934 or Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act and prod their constituents to register their SIM cards starting December 27 “as this will help combat cybercrimes in the country.” DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos, Jr. said that with millions of Filipino mobile subscribers, an intensive information drive must be carried out at the grassroots level and LGUs should step up in educating the public on the requirements and importance of the law. “As we seek to ensure public safety even in the online space, I encourage LGUs to exert all efforts to promote responsible use of SIM cards, educate their stakeholders on the benefits of mandatory SIM card registration and guide them through the whole registration process,” he said. He said the SIM Registration Act will aid the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement authorities in curbing rising electronic communication-aided criminal activities in the Philippines such as mobile phishing, text spams, online scams, bank frauds and identity theft. As the first law signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the SIM Registration Act aims to regulate the registration and use of SIMs by mandating all end-users to register their SIMs with their respective telecommunications networks before their activation. Abalos said the implementation of the law will not only prompt accountability from all sides – the mobile users, the telcos, the government and authorities – but will also help the PNP to quickly locate offenders of crimes committed in anonymity through the use of electronic devices. Section 4 of the IRR of the SIM Registration Act released by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) provides that DILG, along with other government agencies such as DICT, NTC, DepEd, and telecom companies, shall “facilitate all SIM registrations in remote areas with limited telecommunication or internet access.” “Together with the LGUs, DILG will cooperate with DICT and the NCT to fast-track the establishment of registration facilities in geographically-isolated areas, which should be done within 60 days after December 27,” Abalos said. He enlisted the assistance of local chief executives (LCEs) and barangay captains in remote areas in processing needed documents and other requirements to set up the registration centers. “We know not everyone has access to the internet and other means of communication so let us reach out to them and inform them of this new law,” he said. To register, all existing SIM subscribers must submit an accomplished form through a database platform or website provided by the telco company within 180 days. The DICT can extend the registration period for another 120 days. If a subscriber fails to register, SIM cards will be deactivated. Subscribers must provide the following: full name, birthday, sex, address, mobile SIM number and serial number and valid identification cards (for individuals);  business name, business address and full name of authorized signatory (for businesses and other juridical entities); full name, nationality, birthday, passport, proof of Philippine address, return ticket to own country (for foreigners and tourists). Abalos also urged parents and guardians to be responsible and register the SIM used by their minor children or relatives under their name to protect them from ill-intentioned individuals. They will be asked to present an ID and consent form. “To our parents and guardians, let us help each other in this endeavor to safeguard minors. Magtulungan po tayo upang masiguro na hindi sila mabibiktima ng mga panloloko online,” he said. Likewise, Abalos asked the public to support the mandatory SIM card registration as this will be beneficial in the long run, “I encourage every Filipino to register their SIM cards and be one with the government in fighting text and online scams which are becoming more prevalent in recent years.” Moreover, Abalos warned people who will attempt to provide false or fictitious information and documents to register a SIM and those who will try to spoof a registered SIM to defraud or cause harm, “I would like to remind all of you and those with ill intentions that under this new law you can be imprisoned or be fined depending on your violation.” Registering a SIM card with false or fictitious information or using fictitious identities will be subject to a penalty of imprisonment of 6 months to 2 years and a fine of P100,000 to P300,000 while spoofing will be subject to a 6 years jail time or/and a fine of P200,000.###

After two years of being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pagdayaw of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 6 (DILG R6) was back this year with a face-to-face celebration on December 5, 2022 at the Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.  This year-end tradition brings together all DILG personnel and various partners to recognize the commendable performance of the Local Government Units and the Department’s employees and organizational teams towards excellence in local governance. With the theme, “Charting our New Future with Inspired Excellence” this year’s Padayaw was comprised of a series of events, namely: Project RISE simultaneously conducted with Continuous Legal Education, Excellence in Local Governance Awards (EXCELL), and PRAISE- Program on Awards and Incentives for Service and Novelty (PISAN) with the Fellowship of the DILG Region 6 employees. Pagdayaw, an Ilonggo term which means “giving appreciation,” was highlighted with two award-giving programs of the DILG Region 6 maintained through the years – the EXCELL Awards and the or the PRAISE-PISAN Awards. Click me to see photos of the event EXCELL Awards This year, the EXCELL Awards adopted the Department’s Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) focus indicators as it continues to recognize the commendable performances of shortlisted Local Government Units (LGUs) in the SGLG regional assessment, national calibration and validation. With the foregoing, the EXCELL Awards continue to search for the exemplars of outstanding public service in the areas of administrative governance, social services, economic development, environmental management, local legislation, and the new assessment area under social protection – public safety, peace and order. It has remained as a potent vehicle in advocating and promoting participatory, accountable, responsive, transparent and effective local governance. Through the synergy of the EXCELL Awards and the SGLG, it is desired that the program will continue to benefit a wide support from LGUs, national government agencies, civil society organizations and other governance stakeholders. By recognizing the good performance of the LGUs, all LGUs in the region and in the country will continue to champion the tenets of EXCELLence in local governance. This year there are 12 LGU winners of the EXCELL Awards. Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero of the DILG Region 6 expressed his gratitude to the great efforts of the LGUs. “It is worthy to mention that the dedication and hardwork of the local government units have been instrumental in helping us achieve numerous and notable accomplishments in the region.  Thank you for going beyond and above to ensure the success of all our projects and programs of the department,”Ingeniero said.   PRAISE-PISAN Awards The PRAISE-PISAN Awards on the other hand, recognizes the industrious and considered model personnel of the Department and the outstanding performance of the field offices as evidenced by documented best practices and innovations they have done in the course of their work, thus, “Pisan” in hiligaynon means industrious. Over the years, DILG Region 6 has received various awards, recognition and words of praise through PRAISE-PISAN Awards.  Notably, it has produced regional and national finalists, and five national winners of the Dangal ng Bayan and Pag-Asa awards of the Civil Service Commission.  DILG Region 6 is also a recipient of various awards of the CapDev Face Awards of the Local Government Academy. Atty. Lord A. Villanueva, Undersecretary for Operations of the DILG said in his inspirational message, “The feat to produce five national winners of the Dangal ng Bayan and Pag-Asa Awards of the Civil Service Commission mark a milestone not only for the region but it also showcases the culture of Excellence that we move our employees into the Department.” “Conceived in 2003, the ceremony was named after the name “Pisan” which means industriousness and diligence.  These are the two traits we want to inspire from all of our employees,” Usec. Villanueva further said. He added that this year’s theme emphasizes that in order to move forward as a department, excellence should not only be in passion to serve but also inspire excellence in our acts, the way we relate to each other, and occasionally look back and acknowledge those who contributed to the future we are aiming for. This year, there are 18 winners of PRAISE-PISAN Awards under the following categories: Best Performing Technical Personnel (CLGOO, MLGOO, LGOOs II to V, Focal Person-Regional Office, Program Manager); Best Performing Administrative Personnel (1st level-Field and Regional Office and 2nd level-Regional Office); Best Performing Organizational Team (Province, City-Highly Urbanized, City-Component City, and Cluster); and Special Awards (Malasakit Award, Best Performing Contract of Service Personnel, Best Sub-LGRC, and Best Innovation)   Project RISE DILG Region 6 has developed a new award program this year under the Project Development Management Unit (PDMU) and this is the Project RISE.  This effort is an abbreviation for Redefining Impact through Structural Empowerment. Structural empowerment refers to the ability to mobilize resources and achieve goals through access to information, support, resources, and opportunities. The DILG Region VI through Project RISE identified the 15 qualified LGU winners based on the guidelines provided and recognized the best practices and accomplishments of LGUs in three (3) performance criteria namely: (a)  Physical Status based on submitted SWA and Certificate of Completion for for FY 2016 – 2020 (excluding FY 2015, 2016 LGSF projects); (b) Financial Status based on submitted Report of Disbursement for FY 2016 – 2020 (excluding FY 2015 and 2016 LGSF projects); and (c) Rating in the SubayBAYAN encoding for FY 2016-2020 (BuB, SALINTUBIG, ADM-AM, RAY3). It is significantly desired that Project RISE will encourage, support, motivate and impact LGUs in the region not just for compliance, but it will eventually affect all LGUs to pursue timely and best performance in the implementation of DILG-Administered Projects. “Today’s Project RISE awarding ceremony serves as another testament in this endeavor and commitment.  The partnership we foster with our counterparts at our local government units creates a ripple effect of positive changes which eventually lead to a greater impact for our beneficiaries – uplifting or improving their socio economic conditions, much more bringing luster continue reading : DILG 6 celebrates 2022 victories with Pagdayaw

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) today said anti-illegal drug operations and arrest of drug offenders will continue with the same fervor under the new multi-sectoral flagship program Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA. DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr. said there would be no letup in anti-illegal drug raids and operations by law enforcement units under the new BIDA program aside from giving focus on demand reduction and rehabilitation of drug users. “Hindi pa rin titigil ang mga raid sa drug dens at sa pagtugis ng pulisya at iba pang autoridad sa mga drug lords, financiers at sa mga naglalako ng droga. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin yan,” said Abalos. He said the government counts on the support of communities and all sectors of society in going after illegal drug syndicates by reporting suspicious activities in their areas to the authorities. “Hindi lang dapat ang pulisya ang kumilos. Katuwang natin ang mga mamamayan sa kampanya laban sa droga. Lahat tayo ay dapat kumikilos at maging BIDA advocates,” he stressed. “Samantala, bibigyan rin ng pokus ng BIDA ang pag-alalay sa mga nalulong sa bawal na gamot para tuluyan silang magbagong-buhay,” he added. BIDA program is a nationwide anti-illegal drugs program that focuses on demand reduction and rehabilitation using a more intensified and holistic approach involving the national government agencies, local government units, and other key sectors down to the grassroots level within the framework of the law, with respect for human rights, complemented by socioeconomic development. The DILG Secretary said the country’s anti-illegal drugs drive has, in fact, been gaining ground as some 24,159 drug personalities have been arrested from July 1 to November 24, 2022 alone under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. He said some P9.9-billion worth of illegal drugs have also been confiscated in various drug operations during the same period, including 990 kilograms of illegal drugs worth P6.7-billion in Tondo Manila; P408-million worth of shabu in Pampanga; and P173-million worth of shabu in Quezon City. “Ang mga numerong ito ay maliwanag na indikasyon na patuloy ang ating maigting na law enforcement kontra droga. Patuloy tayong manghuhuli ng mga drug pushers at mga drug lords,” he said. The DILG Chief also called on the various sectors to be one with the government in nipping the very roots of the illegal drug menace. “Sa ating lahat, ang hamon ay ugatin natin ang problema ng droga. Dito sa BIDA, hindi lang kapulisan at iba pang law enforcement units ang kikilos, hanggang grassroots kasama natin dapat dito,” he said. Last Saturday, some 25,000 people trooped at the Quezon City Memorial Circle for the  nationwide BIDA grand launching and pledged their all-out support to the said campaign. Among the VIPs who joined the QC event were PNP Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Office of the Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia; National Police Commission Vice Chair and Executive Officer Alberto A. Bernado; Bureau of Fire Protection Director Louie Puracan; Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Jail Director Allan S. Iral; Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Atty. Romando Artes; Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Jose Emmanuel Eala; Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua; Dangerous Drugs Board Undersectary Gilberto D.C. Cruz; and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Deputy Director Pierre Bucsit. Meanwhile, among the local officials who attended the launch were were Malabon City Mayor Jennie Sandoval; San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier Zamora; Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco; Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Carlo Sotto; Marikina City Vice Mayor Marion Andres; Pasig City Administrator Atty. Jeron Manzanero; Quezon City 4th District Councilor Nanette Daza; and Quezon City 5th District Councilor Mutya Castelo. Aside from the QC event, simultaneous BIDA launching activities were also held in Cebu City; Cagayan de Oro City; and Davao City. ###

Thousands of people pledged to give their all-out support to the government’s new anti-illegal drugs campaign dubbed as Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) during its nationwide simultaneous grand launching today at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City; Cebu Plaza Independencia, Cebu City;  Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre, Cagayan de Oro City; and People’s Park in Davao City. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr. said the BIDA Program is a nationwide anti-illegal drugs advocacy program involving local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), and other key sectors of the society that will focus more on drug demand reduction and rehabilitation in the communities coupled with arrests. “Sa ating lahat, ang hamon ay ugatin natin ang problema ng droga. Dito sa BIDA, hindi lang kapulisan at iba pang law enforcement units ang kikilos, hanggang grassroots kasama natin dapat dito,” he said. Abalos said the key to the success of BIDA is the support of the communities and the people themselves who should reject and say no to illegal drugs and report the drug activities in their areas to the authorities. “Ang problema ng droga ay problema ng buong mundo kahit ng mga first-world countries. Mahirap ito sugpuin pero walang imposible kung sama-sama tayo,” he said. For those involved in the illegal drugs trade, Abalos sent a strong message that they will be put behind bars. “Sa mga nagtutulak, ipapakulong namin kayo. Ipapatupad namin ang batas at pupunuin ang mga kulungan ng mga katulad n’yo na sumisira sa kinabukasan ng mga kabataan at ng mga pamilya,” he said. On the other hand, for those who want to turn over a new leaf, Abalos assured the government is ready to help them through drug rehabilitation and livelihood training programs to help them lead productive and drug-free lives. “Lahat tayo, magtulungan, iyan ang hinihingi namin. Life is truly worth living. Say no to drugs at maging BIDA tayong lahat laban sa iligal na droga,” he said. Among the major activities at the QC venue are zumba, exhibit, walkathon, dance performances, unity pledge, and performances of BIDA ambassadors such as PPop Generation, Quezon City Zumba Instructors, and Plethora. Said event was attended by around 25,000 people including VIPs and contingents from the DILG, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, National Police Commission, National Commission of Muslim Filipinos, National Youth Commission, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Iglesia ni Cristo, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Metro Manila Development Authority, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, National Capital Region Local Government Units, and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils. ###

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) today encouraged the public to become BIDA advocates and help put an end to the country’s illegal drugs problem as the government will launch its new anti-illegal drugs advocacy program dubbed as Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA Program nationwide in Quezon City and in key areas of the country on November 26, 2022. “Samahan n’yo kami at lumahok sa grand launch ng BIDA Program! Lahat tayo ay dapat kumilos na at maging bida laban sa iligal na droga. Sa ating mga kamay nakasalalay ang isang magandang bukas para sa ating mga kabataan na malaya sa salot ng droga,” Abalos said. BIDA Program is a nationwide anti-illegal drugs advocacy program involving local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), and other key sectors of the society that will focus more on drug demand reduction and rehabilitation in the communities underscoring the role of drug enforcement agencies including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and others. According to the DILG Chief, the illegal drugs problem is a deep-seated issue that has continued to destroy relationships, families and the future of the youth, and it is high time for all sectors of the society to make a stand and do their part through the BIDA program. “Hindi natin puwedeng iasa na lamang sa Philippine National Police at sa Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ang kampanya laban sa iligal na droga dahil lahat tayo ay apektado dito.  Kailangang lahat tayo ay kumilos na at makiisa para tuldukan ang salot na patuloy na sumisira sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan,” he said. Since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assumed office in July this year, the PNP’s aggressive campaign against illegal drugs resulted in the confiscation of some P9.7-billion worth of various illegal drugs confiscated and the arrest of 22,646 drug personalities in 18,505 anti-illegal drug operations nationwide. Abalos said the anti-drugs campaign under the administration of President Marcos pioneers a different approach that will work “within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights and with focus on rehabilitation and socio-economic development.” “Kung gusto nating masugpo ang problema sa iligal na droga, kinakailangan natin itong sugpuin sa puno. Kaya sa pamamagitan ng BIDA program, ang focus natin ay ang drug demand reduction sa tulong ng iba’t ibang sektor sa ating lipunan,” Abalos said. The DILG Secretary said no less than the President is expected to lead the Metro Manila launch of the BIDA program at the Quezon City Memorial Circle in Quezon while regional launches will be held in Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Davao City. “Si Presidente Marcos mismo ang mangunguna sa paglulunsad ng malawakang kampanyang ito upang ipakita na seryoso ang administrasyon na ipagpatuloy at mas paigtingin pa ang laban kontra droga,” he said. He said the program will tap the best practices of LGUs, NGAs and other partners in order to strengthen institutions for the implementation of 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 grand launch in Quezon City will commence at 5:00 a.m. symbolizing the dawn of a new day for drug dependents. Among the expected events to energize the audience will be zumba, dance presentations, street parade, band performances, AVP presentations, and unveiling of the BIDA program logo. Local chief executives from the National Capital Region are also expected to read a unity statement to express their commitment to carry out the objectives of the BIDA program in their respective jurisdictions, while representatives from different sectors of the society will also give a statement of support for the program. Similar activities will also be held in different areas of the country. Last October 7, the BIDA program was soft-launched at Rizal Park in Manila with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by partner national agencies, local government units, private sector, faith-based organizations (FBOs), and civil society organizations (CSOs). ###

Days ahead of the grand launch of its flagship campaign against illegal drugs Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Program, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. today urged local government units (LGUs) to formulate their local anti-drug plan of action (LADPA) and barangay anti-drug plan of action (BADPA) that responds to the needs of their localities. “Our anti-illegal drugs campaign takes a whole-of-government approach which would only be efficient if we are able to execute plans such as LADPA and BAPDA down at the grassroots. It is imperative that our LGUs work with us and draft their respective LADPAs and BADPAs in the barangays,” Abalos said. “Ang focus po natin ngayon ay pakikiisa ng lahat sa laban sa iligal na droga hanggang sa grassroots, katulad din ng ating BIDA Program,” he added. Abalos said LGUs must include in their LADPA/BADPA initiatives and efforts that will strengthen their campaign against illegal drugs and specify programs and activities that shall be given budget allocation in their respective annual budget relative to anti-illegal drug efforts. “The local Sanggunian shall appropriate the fund for the enforcement of the anti-illegal drug initiatives included in the LADPA and BADPA.” He said that by doing this, LGUs can significantly contribute to the BIDA program, the revitalized anti-drug advocacy campaign of the government that aims to reduce drug demand in the communities by harnessing the support of LGUs, national government agencies (NGAs), private sectors, faith-based organizations (FBOs), and civil society organizations (CSOs). “Inaasahan po namin ang pakikiisa ninyo sa ating hangaring tuldukan ang iligal na droga sa bansa,” he stressed. LADPA/BADPA is anchored on Republic Act No. 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022 which embodies the national government’s commitment to eradicating the country’s illegal drugs problem. In DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2022-141, Abalos encouraged provincial and city/municipal local chief executives (LCEs) to formulate their 2023-2025 LADPA within their first 200 days in office, specifying their anti-illegal drug programs and activities based on their localities’ drug situation. He said the LADPA shall include the anti-illegal drugs situation of the locality for accurate decision-making; priority anti-illegal drugs issues and challenges, prioritizing supply and demand reduction; objectives to address the local issues and challenges; critical policies, programs, projects, services and activities (PPPSAs) for the anti-illegal drugs issues; and, funding requirements of the PPPSAs. The LADPA shall also include the physical and financial accomplishment reports of the existing LADPA. Likewise, Abalos urges BADACs to prepare their three-year BADPA that includes the formulated strategies, identified projects and funding requirements. The planning and submission of LADPA shall be until December 2022, while the encoding of the approved action plan shall proceed from January to March 2023. Likewise, the preparation and submission of BADPA and its approval shall take place from January to May 2023. ###