COTABATO CITY (June 13, 2024) – Employees of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) participated in the launch of the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) campaign at the Bangsamoro Government Center Ground (BGC) in Cotabato City.
Held on Thursday, the event aimed to rally communities in addressing the issue of illegal drugs within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Spearheaded by the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), the campaign seeks to make a significant impact in the ongoing fight against the use of illegal drugs.
BYC Commissioner Pratima Sabal Samsaraji, MPA, representing BYC Chairperson Marjanie S. Macasalong, emphasized the Commission’s commitment in fighting against illegal drugs in the region.
“The Bangsamoro Youth Commission shares your vision of a safer and healthier Bangsamoro. We recognize that the battle against illegal drugs is not merely a law enforcement issue but a serious societal challenge that requires the efforts of policymakers, community leaders, educators, and every citizen,” Samsaraji stated.
In her message, MILG Minister Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba stressed the importance of a collective effort in combating illegal drugs.
“As we continue on this journey with BIDA, let us reaffirm our commitment to working together in spreading awareness and preventing drug use in an effort to create a safer, healthier, and drug-free Bangsamoro,” Dumama-Alba said.
Other ministries and offices of BARMM, government and non-government, also graced the event, showing their unwavering support for the campaign.
Highlights of the program featured an energetic fun run that brought the Bangsamoro community together and a Digital Poster Making Contest where Bangsamoro youth creatively expressed their vision of a drug-free society. These events embodied the spirit of the program in dynamic and engaging ways.
The BIDA program, a joint initiative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), national line agencies, and local government units, represents a comprehensive approach to tackling the scourge of illegal drugs and its detrimental effects.
BYC’s participation in this significant event underscores its dedication to promoting a drug-free environment and safeguarding the well-being of the Bangsamoro youth. (BYC PR Unit/SAMN)
