The local government of San Carlos through the San Carlos City Anti-Drug Abuse Council and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) kicked off “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA)” program at Brgy. Guadalupe covered court in the city on November 26.
At least 89 persons who used drugs (PWUDs) attended the program.
City Mayor Renato Gustilo told the PWUDS that people who used illegal drugs should be put in a rehabilitation program and that they are very blessed because the city provided a free Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation program (CBDRP) for them, giving them another chance to change.
Negros Occidental Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President Pocholo Yuvienco encouraged the youth to avoid the use of illegal drugs because it can destroy their future.
Atty. Pierra Fuentespina-Lamayo, City Local Government Operation Officer of the DILG, said that the BIDA program is part of their nationwide advocacy program which aims to raise awareness and encourage community participation in drug demand reduction.
Before the event, a Zumba or dance exercise and an exhibition game of basketball between the PNP and the PWUDs were held.
Also present at the event were police chief PLtCol. Jesus Mesahon Jr., San Carlos SK Federation Rep. JB Spring Bacurnay, officials of barangays Guadalupe, Buluangan, Rizal, Palampas, Bagonbon, Five, Three, One, and other members of the PNP, BJMP, and Parole and Probation Office.*