hindi lang kapulisan at iba pang law enforcement units ang kikilos, hanggang grassroots kasama natin dapat dito,” he said.
In Cebu City, BIDA campaign took off with a Bike Out, Fun Run, Zumba session and Motorcade, followed by a program at the Plaza Independencia. It was graced by DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan, Asec. Frank Cruz, Asec Ester Aldana, DILG-7 Director Leocadio Trovela, DILG-8 Director Arnel Agabe, DILG-7 provincial directors Atty. Ian Kenneth Lucero and Jerome Gonzales, city directors Jonah Pino, Johnjoan Mende, and Neila Aquino, and heads of different government offices.
Usec. Iringan in his speech emphasized the importance of the role of private sectors and public sectors in the fight against illegal drugs.
“Pangarap po natin ang tahimik at mapayapang lugar… Ito ay laban ng lahat, a whole of nation approach. Tinitingnan natin ang partisipasyon ng private sectors at talaga namang malaki ang role nila lalo na sa pagbibigay ng livelihood program sa sumasailalim sa rehabilitation program,” he said.
The crowd was wowed by the appearance of online icon Berto Plando, Jr., known as “Berta” who used to be a street dweller, as he took the opportunity to inspire others during the launch by sharing his traumatic experience using illicit drugs.
BIDA ambassadors Olympian Mary Joy Tabal, Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medalist Andrew Kim Remolino and Nino Surban, and beauty queen Kris Tiffany Janson gave their message of support.
LGUs that were recently declared drug-free were also recognized.
The Visayas launching capped off with the attendees signing a unity statement to express their commitment to carrying out the BIDA program's objectives in their respective jurisdictions.