MANILA – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday urged the public to participate in the advocacy walk on March 23 as a demonstration of their support to fight the scourge of illegal drugs.
Abalos was referring to the BIDA Walk which will be held at around 4 a.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds that hopes to gather thousands of anti-drug advocates and supporters to celebrate the 1st anniversary of the government’s flagship Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program.
“I know our kababayans (countrymen) are used to the BIDA Fun Run, but in its anniversary, we want to be more inclusive, hence, we opted for the BIDA Walk. Basta gusto mong makisama sa laban ng pamahalaan sa iligal na droga, welcome ka (As long as you support the government’s fight against illegal drugs, you are welcome)” he said in a statement.
Abalos said the celebration is a fitting commemoration of the BIDA program which is “the driving force in the government’s vision for a drug-free Philippines.”
The BIDA Walk will commence from three starting points –the CCP Open Grounds and Cuneta Astrodome both in Pasay City; and at SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City.
From the three starting points, the participants will walk towards SM Mall of Asia Globe Rotunda in Pasay City where they will converge.
The walk route will be led by Abalos together with ex-Senator Manny Pacquiao, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, and Liga ng mga Barangay presidents and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation presidents of the National Capital Region.
Abalos said participants can also expect performances from most sought-after artists from partner entertainment networks GMA 7 and ABS-CBN. A chance to win raffle prizes amounting to a total of PHP100,000 from SM Supermalls also await the participants, while Jollibee and private partners will provide food and water.
Abalos also reminded participants to come prepared with proper running shoes and a comfortable white shirt, extra clothing, a tumbler, an umbrella and a portable or handheld fan. (PNA)
