The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, headed by Governor Luigi Villafuerte, supports the nationwide anti-illegal drugs advocacy of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), dubbed Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Program.
In line with the commitment and campaign of the current Marcos administration in fighting against illegal drugs, the program aims to raise awareness and encourage community participation in drug demand reduction.
On November 26, 2022, a grand launching of the BIDA Program was officially kicked off in all parts of the Philippines. The provincial government, along with all local government units, partner national government agencies, and other key stakeholders, conducted the drug demand activities simultaneously.
To actively participate in the BIDA Program, the provincial government staged activities such as zumba, medical caravans, sports activities, and concert, among other activities geared towards drug demand reduction.
“Isang napakagandang programa po ng DILG at ng Province of CamSur itong BIDA Program. Let’s support and encourage our loved ones, our friends, our family na maging daan po tayo para masugpo ang ilegal na droga sa pamamagitan ng pag-zumba. Maging daan po tayo na mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang ating mga kabataan, ang mga susunod na henerasyon para iwasan ang salot na droga,” shared Angie Betonio, Certified Zumba Instructor and an employee of CamSur Watersports Complex.
On the other hand, medical caravans were also conducted at Hibago, Ocampo and Curry, Pili. Carrying the Medical Diagnostic Van, residents availed of the free medical checkups and laboratory diagnostic tests including ECG, ultrasound, X-ray, CBC, urinalysis, blood chem, random blood sugar test, and random blood cholesterol test, among others. Adults and children also received free medicines and vitamins.
“Kami po nagpasiring digdi para maka-avail po ng libreng checkup para po sakuya tapos ki nanay ko po. Nakamati po ako sa fatty liver ko tapos nahihilo, si nanay man po gatok an bitis, kaipuhan daa po ning bulong sa cholesterol. Maray man po ta nakalibre ning checkup, dai na po kami magastos tapos natawanan pa nin bulong. Sobrang importante po ining maray ta nakatabang po sa arog ming tios [asin] mayong pambayad sa ospital. Mayo na po kaming pigbayadan—nakalibre na po,” shared Mary Ann David, a resident of Sitio Tinago, Hibago, Ocampo.
David, together with her mother, took advantage of the free medical checkup as well as the free diagnostic tests like random blood cholesterol test and ECG.
She added, “Nagpapasalamat po ako nang sobra kay Gov. Luigi na nagpadara po sindang medical [team] para mag-checkup nin libre. Sobra po kaming naogma ta nakalibre po kami, mayo pong binayadan. Maraming-maraming salamat po. Salamat po sa pagkakaigwa nin programang medical [caravan] kontra droga.”
Moreover, the provincial government, together with MX3 Natural Supplements, presented “Viva Tours in Camarines Sur: Pasine, Pa-concert, at Palaro” to give entertainment to Camarinenses, especially to the youth. Celebrities like Maui Taylor, Julian Trono, Rose Van Ginkel, and ALAMAT were invited to grace the show.
Prior to the said event, Camarinenses were also encouraged to donate blood at the “Dugtong Buhay sa Dugong Alay,” a bloodletting activity of the Dmirie Foundation Inc., DMI Medical Supply Company Inc., and Philippine Red Cross. A total of 18 blood donors successfully donated a bag of blood to the blood bank of the PRC.
Ruel Panuelos from Goa, CamSur is among the blood donors who donated a rare blood type of AB+. He has donated blood six times already in his lifetime, and he is willing to donate anytime, especially to those with diseases who need the same blood type. “Dakulang tabang po ining ginigibo ming pag-donate nin dugo ta nakakatabang po sa mga kababayan asin sa mga ospital na nangangaipo nin dugo. Pirmi talaga ako nagdo-donate ta kadakol an nangangaipuhan kaini lalo na AB+ ako asin dipisil mahanap an dugo na ini,” he shared.
The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur always supports programs and activities in line with the holistic campaign to fight against illegal drugs that will involve and encourage multi-sectoral participation.
