NAMRIA joined the Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan (BIDA) Anniversary Celebration at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on 23 March 2024. The BIDA Walk was the highlight of the first anniversary of the country's flagship anti-illegal drugs campaign, the BIDA program.

 

The advocacy walk commenced at three distinct locations: the SMDC Festival Grounds in Paranaque City, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) open grounds, and the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City. The approximately 60,000 participants made their way to the SM Mall of Asia Globe Rotunda, where they intended to assemble until they reached the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

 

 

Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos, Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) spearheaded the said activity, together with Former Senator and BIDA Ambassador Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao, Mayor Francis Zamora of San Juan City, Mayor Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon City, Vice Mayor Waldetrudes Del Rosario of Pasay City, and PDEA Director General Moro Virgilio M. Lazo. Representatives from various sectors, including uniformed personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the religious community, Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials, national and local government officials and personnel, parent groups, and a group of recovering persons who used drugs (RPWUDs) were also present to show their unwavering support for the BIDA program. Secretary Abalos expressed gratitude to the anti-illegal drugs advocates from diverse sectors who took part in the BIDA Walk or "Lakad Kontra Droga!"

 

The program aims to not only strengthen the bodies of the participants but also show the support and unity of government branches for an aspiration to end the problem of illicit drug usage and engage the individuals involved in it to renew their lives.

 

The Secretary, in his address, urged members of the public to unite in their support for the government's initiative to combat illegal drugs. "Tulungan natin ang pulis, ang PDEA, ang NBI. Bawat isa tayo ay may papel, 'yan ang BIDA: Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan at mananalo tayo sa giyerang ito."