Thousands seen to attend BIDA advocacy walk

MANILA, Philippines — At least 60,000 anti-drug advocates are expected to join the advocacy walk as part of activities for the first anniversary of the government’s BIDA or Buhay Ingatan, Droga ay Ayawan flagship program.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said the event would be held at 4 a.m. tomorrow at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds.

Representatives from local government units, anti-drug advocacy groups, private and non-government organizations, youth sector and other allies in the fight against drugs are expected to join the event, according to Abalos.

“I know our kababayans are used to the BIDA fun run, but we want to be more inclusive so we opted for the BIDA walk,” he said.

Abalos said the BIDA program is the driving force in the government’s vision for a drug-free Philippines.

“We have come a long way since we launched BIDA more than a year ago. Together with the more than 60,000 of our fellow Filipinos, let us celebrate its anniversary and aspire to further the government’s fight against drugs,” he said.

The advocacy walk will commence from three points: CCP open grounds and Cuneta Astrodome, both in Pasay, and at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque.

The participants will walk to the SM Mall of Asia Globe Rotunda where they will all gather.

Among those who will attend the event are former senator and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, Pasay Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano as well as Liga ng mga Barangay presidents and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation presidents in Metro Manila.