In line with the campaign of the National Government against illegal drugs, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI conducted the three-day Buhay Ingatan Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Youth Camp – the first in the Philippines – on August 14-16, 2023.

The Youth Camp was participated by the presidents of the Federation of the Sangguniang Kabataan of the different provinces in the region.

In his message, DILG Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero urged the youth to actively take part in the fight against illegal drugs and other activities related to it.

“Ang BIDA Youth Camp na ito ay gaganapin na may layuning magbigay kaalaman sa ating mga kabataan hindi lamang sa kung paano sila makakaiwas sa ilegal na droga, kundi pati na rin ang kanilang papel upang labanan ito,” said RD Ingeniero.

The BIDA Program is a holistic approach in countering the proliferation of illegal and dangerous drugs. It strengthens supply and demand reduction efforts in galvanizing the support of the community, dutybearers, and other stakeholders in drug-prevention, law enforcement, and rehabilitation.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. also reiterated the importance the Sangguniang Kabataan leaders of Western Visayas in the successful implementation of the BIDA Program.

“Bawat is sa inyo ay may gagampanan para tuluyang masugpo and problema sa ilegal na droga dito sa Western Viasayas at sa buong bansa. Malaki ang kompiansa ko na bawat isa sa inyo ay gagawin ang tama at ang nararapat. Pagbalik ninyo sa inyong mga lugar, pagkatapos ng Youth Camp na ito, naway makapagbuo kayo ng makabulohang programa para sa inyong kapwa kabataan tulad nitong youth camp, gardening, mural painting, TikTok Challenge, clean-up drive, DRRM and feeding programs, and other meaningful works with your fellow youth in your areas,” SILG Abalos said.

“Remember that if you engaged with your fellow youth, their attention would shift to good deeds and we can help them avoid getting into vices and illegal activities like illegal drugs and crimes. At the end of the day, we all have one vision in mind – to lead, study, work and do business in a drug-free, peaceful, safe and progressive community for our future and for the future of our children’s children,” he added.

The Youth Camp was also graced by the presence and support of top officials of the DILG, namely: Atty. Margarita N. Gutierrez, Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs and Communications together with Asec. Elizabeth N. Lopez De Leon, Assistant Secretary for Community Participation, and the BIDA Ambassador, Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez, City of Victorias, Province of Negros Occidental who shared the BIDA advocacy activities in his city.

The Youth Camp activity has also gained support from various partners and agencies such as the National Youth Commission (NYC), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Health (DOH) and other agencies with available programs for participation local or international advocating against illegal and dangerous drugs.

Mr. Cibeleo P. Nobleza, Jr, the Supervising Administrative Officer and the Chief of the Preventive Education and Community Involvement Section, (PECIS) of PDEA RO6 facilitated the session on Understanding Drugs and their Dangers. To reinforce the discussion of Mr. Nobleza of PDEA RO6, a former illegal drug user and now a hardworking mother of four lovely children, narrated her story and shared her regrets and life-changing realizations with the Youth Campers. The session with PDEA RO6 ended with a mini quiz bee wherein the campers enthusiastically answered the anti-illegal drugs advocacies-related questions.

Likewise, on the second day of the activity, Dr. Rey M. Mollenido, Medical Specialist II, DOH-TRC delivered a talk on healthy living and coping mechanisms and on understanding the importance of mental health and wellness. After the discussion, DOH personnel facilitated an activity entitled the Guessing Game which served as a test on the understanding of the participants on the topic discussed wherein the BIDA youth campers happily participated.

Among the SK participants was the Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) 6 Regional President Ryan Dave L. Estrella, LPT who shared the initiative and best practices of the KKDAT 6 to inspire the 2023 BIDA Youth Campers to replicate the same in their respective communities and barangays.

Other activities for the youth campers were the BIDA Dance Contest and BIDA Youth Ambassador Contest held in the evening of the second day of the youth camp. The campers battled out on the dance floor and showcased their respective renditions of the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Dance. Representatives from the provinces and HUCs of Region 6 outwitted each other for the opportunity of being adjudged as the Region 6 BIDA Youth Ambassador.

The proclaimed Regional Youth BIDA Ambassadors are Clarissa Yocson, SK Chairperson from Sta. Barbara, Iloilo and Ryan Dave Estrella, SK Chairperson of La Paz, Iloilo City. The Regional Youth BIDA Ambassadors will serve as the spokesperson for the youth sector in programs relevant to the BIDA program.

Another activity conducted for the youth was entitled SK BEYOND facilitated by LGOO VII Maricel M. Bechayda, Chief, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED). The Youth Campers reflected on their accomplishments, struggles, and shortcomings for the past years as Sangguniang Kabataan officials. With their term closing to its end, the Youth Campers were made to realize that they can reach more milestones and contribute to our society beyond their journey as Sangguniang Kabataan Officials.

On the last day, the youth campers together with the barangay officials and 4Ps beneficiaries of Barangay Santo Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City conducted a coastal clean-up activity in Villa Beach, Arevalo, City.

In her closing message, LGMED Chief Bechayda expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the sangguniang kabataan officials for their unwavering dedication and commitment to the vital cause of Buhay Ingatan Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“Key to the success of the BIDA Program is our focus on grassroots action, where we not only emphasize rehabilitation but also prioritize prevention. This camp has been instrumental in fostering anti-drug education at every level, from national programs down to barangay activities. Together, we are sowing the seeds of awareness and empowerment, equipping our communities with the knowledge and tools needed to build a drug-free future,” said Bechayda.

“You are now ambassadors of change, and I have no doubt that you will continue to champion the ideals of the BIDA program in your respective communities,” she added.

Lastly according to DC Bechayda, the active engagement of the participants in the camp have shown that the youth of region 6 are truly catalysts for positive change. The friendships formed, the knowledge gained, and the shared experiences will undoubtedly have a lasting impact, creating a ripple effect that will reach far beyond the confines of the youth camp.#