Dialogue on drugs to start next week

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other government agencies are set to visit some barangays in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue to sit down in a dialogue with officials and residents to discuss the issue of drugs.

The “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” or BIDA dialogo in Cebu and Mandaue will start this May 27, 2024 led by DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos.

The BIDA program is an intensified and more holistic campaign against illegal drugs to reduce drug demand in the communities underscoring the PNP, PDEA, NBI and other agencies of government’s continued intensity in the war against drugs within the framework of the law, with respect for human rights, and complemented by rehabilitation and socioeconomic development.

“Bida Dialogo basically, is a dialogue with the local players and that would be led by our local chief executives of Mandaue and Cebu City—the pilot areas for this program in Region 7,” said DILG-Cebu City Director Neila Aquino through the City’s PIO.

“We will have six barangays together with the stakeholders. Team approach and then we will also have the assistance of our Regional DILG personnel. This has already been with our regional director earlier so, we already have the instructions coming from RD Trovela to have this program fully conducted in Cebu City. And so, Cebu City and Mandaue City will be the template for this program,” added Aquino.

Prior to that, Aquino visited the office of acting Mayor Raymond Garcia alongside Jonah John Rodriguez, executive director of the Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse and Prevention (COSAP) to discuss the activity.

Garcia, in return, expressed his full support for this DILG program.

“You have my full support,” Garcia said.

Cebu City currently has 25 of the 80 barangays declared as drug-cleared.