USAPANG BIDA PROGRAM LAUNCHED TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN LA UNION

October 12, 2024 Provincial

Photo By: Christian Rebultan and Rizalde Buenaventura, PGLU-PIO

SAN FERNANDO, La Union

The Provincial Government of La Union in partnership with the La Union Anti-Drug Abuse Council (LUADAC) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), launched the USAPANG BIDA (Buhay Ingatan Droga’y Ayawan) Drug Advocacy Program on September 24, 2024 at the Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco I. Ortega
Convention Center (La Union Convention Center), Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union.

This initiative aims to boost awareness about the dangers of illegal drugs and to encourage participation from civil society organizations in drug demand reduction efforts. It also served as an opportunity to give updates on the drug situation in the province, region, and the entire country as well as to renew the participants’ Pledge of Commitment to fight drugs in the community.

Serving as PGLU’s co-facilitator, the DILG ensured the smooth flow of the program where participants were grouped into six to identify issues and concerns on Prosecution, Youth Development, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Penology, Law Enforcement, and presented their Commitment Building outputs. The Presentation of the Revitalized Police sa Barangay was explained to gain people’s trust and bring the government closer to the people while the
Developmental/Breakout Session and Group Discussion was the highlight of the Usapang BIDA. Outputs from
the discussions were also presented.

Board Member Gerard G. Ostrea, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Peace and Order,
and Public Safety, emphasized the community’s role in fighting drugs, stating, “So today, let’s make a pledge. Let’s
pledge to protect our youth, our families, and our future. Let’s commit to spreading awareness about the dangers
of drugs, to offering support to those at risk, and to building a world where prevention is always the priority.”

Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David vouched to support the program and said, “We are strongly
committed to the National Government’s whole-of-nation approach and our local efforts within our local government units to maintain our position against illegal drugs…I enjoin everyone to continue being onboard our call for La Union PROBINSYAnihan in fighting against illegal drugs, for a safer, healthier, and happier La Union!”

The event was also attended by representatives from the 20 component local government units, CSOs, the
Philippine National Police, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer, and an ADAC Focal Person. The event marks a pivotal step in uniting community efforts in La Union PROBINSYAnihan against drug abuse in the province.

Sherrene Ostrea, GPC-SP