Cartoons against drugs launched

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) threw its support behind the government’s anti-drug abuse campaign with the launching of the Batang Iwas Droga (BIDA) project, a television animated series aimed at educating children about the perils of drug abuse.

In a press conference, Pagcor PR department head Edward King said the BIDA project involves a 13-episode animated series for television featuring "the adventures of three young superheroes and their mission to stop the spread of the drug menace in the country."

"It targets schoolchildren between the ages of six and 12 years old and aims to educate them, as well as their parents, on the hazardous effects of drug and substance abuse," he said.

Undersecretary Anselmo Avenido Jr., director general of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), welcomed the launching of the BIDA program which he described as an "innovative approach" in addressing the drug abuse problem.

The drug menace, Avenido added, cannot be curbed without the support of all sectors of society, citing that public apathy has been one of the reasons behind the proliferation of illegal drugs.

King said the BIDA project was conceptualized by Pagcor Chairman Efraim Genuino as the agency’s contribution to the campaign against drug abuse. The project is co-sponsored by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

The BIDA animated series will be aired every Saturday, from 10:30-11 a.m., over government television NBN 4.

King said the project would be formally launched on June 21 at the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park in Manila where President Arroyo is slated to deputize a total of 15,000 children, between the ages of six and 12 years old, as members of the BIDA Club.

Later in the evening, a free concert featuring some of the country’s most sought-after young performers will be held.

"For years, the drug problem has weakened the foundations of our nation. It ruined lives, separated families and corrupted the youth. It has invaded our homes, our schools, and our workplaces, bringing destruction to everything that it touches. We must stop this menace if we are to achieve our vision of becoming a strong Republic," Genuino said in a prepared statement.

"BIDA is about empowering the youth by making them aware of their part in the fight against drug abuse. Its aim is to educate the children entering into high school, where exposure to drugs normally occurs, in order to stop the problem before it begins," he added.

BIDA made its debut to the public during the 105th Independence Day celebrations last June 12 when a contingent of school children performed a special dance number to the tune of the BIDA theme song as part of Pagcor’s parade presentation.