DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos (PNA file photo)
DUMAGUETE CITY – Hundreds of Negrenses from government agencies and offices and the civilian sector are expected to participate in the launching of Negros Oriental BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga ay Ayawan) Run program on Saturday in this provincial capital.
Provincial director Farah Gentuya of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday that the BIDA Run program will be replicated soon in the different local government units (LGUs) across the province.
“This is a program of DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. to drum up support and awareness in combined efforts to address the persistent problem of illegal drugs,” Gentuya said.
Activities lined up for the BIDA program are the fun run in three categories (3 kilometers, 5 kilometers, and 10 kilometers), Zumba and the BIDA dance.
Fun run winners will each get a medal and cash prize and will represent Negros Oriental in the regional BIDA race in Cebu City, Gentuya said.
The registration was held from May 9 to 17 and there will be no onsite registration, according to the organizers.
The race will start at 5 a.m. at Rizal Boulevard’s Pantawan.
Gentuya said the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr, DILG Region 7 Director Leocadio Trovela, Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, and other local officials will join the BIDA launching.
Some of the agency partners are the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Philippine Coast Guard, among others. (PNA)
