Stars support march against illegal drugs

MANILA, Philippines - Several of the country’s young and up-and-coming celebrities recently expressed their full support to the Grand Batang Iwas Droga (BIDA) March — the largest gathering of children and parents calling for a drug-free nation — which will be held tomorrow, March 21, 3 p.m., along the stretch of Roxas Blvd., Manila.

GMA talents Isabel Oli, Pauleen Luna, Nadine Samonte and Roxanne Barcelo personally attended a recent media conference held at the Alegria Lounge of the Waterfront Pavilion Hotel to invite the public to be among a targeted 500,000 marchers as they vie for a Guinness Book of World Records.

The BIDA project, which is supported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), various government agencies, local government units and non-government organizations, is a massive information campaign that aims to educate children between the ages of six to 12 on the dangers of drug abuse.

“We are very happy that our young celebrities are taking an active stance in the anti-drugs effort,” says PAGCOR chairman and CEO Efraim Genuino.

“This will go a long way in getting our message across to more people. It is our hope that more people will be enjoined to become partners in this endeavor,” he adds.

For their part, the young stars believe that as media personalities, they also have the responsibility to serve as role models of the youth. “I am proud to be part of this campaign which is a worthwhile cause against illegal drugs,” Oli says.

“Ang batang bibo ay bidang-bida, at ang batang bida ay batang iwas drogas,” Barcelo, who is the official spokesperson of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and host of GMA 7’s Bibo.

Samonte meanwhile expressed excitement about the campaign, being the first time for her to join a nationwide campaign.

“We are healthy, happy and beautiful because we live a drug free life,” adds Luna.

Meanwhile, the celebrities were joined by Miss Earth title holders during the BIDA March launch. Among them were Karla Paula Henry, Miss Earth 2008; Kristelle Lazaro, Miss Earth-Fire 2008; Marian Michelle Oblea, Miss Earth-Water 2008; and Catherine Untalan, Miss Earth-Water 2006.

“Hindi lang kalikasan ang aming concern, ngunit pati na rin ang kapakanan ng mga kabataan, that’s why we are joining this campaign,” Untalan says.

According to Dodie King, PAGCOR VP for corporate communications, more celebrities have pledged their support to the Grand BIDA March and will be present during the event.

The assembly point for the BIDA marchers is at the CCP grounds. From there, participants will pass through gates installed across the road facing the Rajah Sulayman Park to be officially counted. They will then proceed to the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta for a program and more surprises.