In line with the campaign on Buhay Ingatan Droga'y Ayawan or BIDA, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI conducted a three-day Youth Camp on August 14-16, 2023 participated by the President of the Federations of the Sangguniang Kabataan of the different provinces in the region.

This Youth Camp in Iloilo is the first to be held in the country. In his message, DILG Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero said that the youth are encouraged to take part in the fight against illegal drugs and to any activities related to it.

"Ang BIDA Youth Camp na ito ay gaganapin na may layuning magbigay kaalaman sa ating mga kabataan hindi lamang sa kung paano sila makakaiwas sa ilegal na droga, pati na rin ang kanilang papel upang labanan ito," said Ingeniero.

The BIDA Program is a holistic approach in countering the proliferation of illegal and dangerous drugs. It strengthens supply and demand reduction efforts in galvanizing the support of the community, dutybearers, and other stakeholders in drug-prevention, law enforcement, and rehabilitation.

The Youth Camp activity has gained support from various partners and agencies namely the National Youth Commission (NYC), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Health (DOH) and other agencies with available programs for participation local or international advocating against illegal and dangerous drugs.

SILG Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. delivered his inspirational message to the Sangguniang Kabataan after the message of SILG, LGOO VII Maricel M. Bechayda discussed the overview on the BIDA Program and BIDA Youth Camp.

The first speakers for the Youth Camp is the young mayor of the City of Victorias, Province of Negros Occidental, Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez. As BIDA Ambassador, Mayor Javi Benitez shares his experiences and strategies to inspire the sangguniang kabataan officials participating in the BIDA Youth Camp as he talks about Youth Leadership. This was followed by an interactive games handled by the National Youth Commission (NYC) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) of region 6.

Mr. Cibeleo P. Nobleza, Jr, the SupervisingAdministrative Officer and the Chief of the Preventive Education and CommunityInvolvement Section, (PECIS) of PDEA RO6 facilitated the session on Understanding Drugs and their Dangers.

To reinforce the discussion of Mr. Nobleza of PDEA RO6, a former illegal drug user and now a hardworking mother of four lovely children, narrated her story and shared her regrets and life-changing realizations with the Youth Campers.

The session with PDEA RO6 ended with a mini quiz bee wherein the campers enthusiastically answered the anti-illegal drugs advocacies-related questions.

On the Day 1 the 2023 BIDA Youth Camp capped off with an activity entitled SK BEYOND.

Facilitated by LGMED Division Chief LGOO VII Maricel M. Bechayda, the Youth Campers reflected on their accomplishments, struggles, and shortcomings for the past years as Sangguniang Kabataan officials. With their term closing to its end, the Youth Campers were made to realize that they can reach more milestones and contribute to our society beyond their journey as Sangguniang Kabataan Officials.

On the Day 2, 2023 BIDA Youth Camp started with the discussion of Dr. Rey M. Mollenido, Medical Specialist II, DOH-TRC on healthy living and coping mechanisms and on understanding the importance of mental health and wellness.

After the discussion, DOH personnel facilitated an activity entitled the Guessing Game which served as a test on the understanding of the participants on the topic discussed and the BIDA Youth campers happily participated in.

DILG Usec. Atty. Margarita N. Gutierrez, Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs and Communications together with Asec. Elizabeth N. Lopez De Leon, Assistant Secretary for Community Participation graced the BIDA Youth Camp with their presence. They were joined by Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero and Division Chief Maricel M. Bechayda, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division, DILG Region 6.

The last speaker was Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) 6 Regional President Ryan Dave L. Estrella, LPT shared the initiative and best practices of the KKDAT 6 to inspire the 2023 BIDA Youth Campers to replicate the same in their respective communities and barangays.

To become more fun and memorable of the 2023 BIDA Youth. Campers exhibited their talents and wit through their participation in the BIDA Dance Contest and BIDA Youth Ambassador Contest held in the second day evening activity. The campers battled it out on the dance floor and showcased their respective renditions of the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Dance. Representatives from the provinces and HUCs of Region 6 outwitted each other for the opportunity of being adjudged as the Region 6 BIDA Youth Ambassador.

The 2023 Regional Youth BIDA Ambassadors are Clarissa Yocson, SK Chairperson from Sta. Barbara, Iloilo and Ryan Dave Estrella, SK Chairperson of La Paz, Iloilo City. The Regional Youth BIDA Ambassadors will serve as the spokesperson for the youth sector in programs relevant to the BIDA program.

On the last day of our 2023 BIDA Youth Camp the campers and the barangay officials and 4Ps beneficiaries of Barangay Sato. Niño Sur, Arevalo City conducted a coastal clean-up activity in Villa Beach, Arevalo, City.

To delivered her closing message, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) Chief Maricel M. Bechayda expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the sangguniang kabataan officials for their unwavering dedication and commitment to the vital cause of Buhay Ingatan Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

According to DC Bechayda, their presence and active engagement in the camp have shown that the youth of region 6 are truly catalysts for positive change. The friendships formed, the knowledge gained, and the shared experiences will undoubtedly have a lasting impact, creating a ripple effect that will reach far beyond the confines of the youth camp.

“Key to the success of the BIDA Program is our focus on grassroots action, where we not only emphasize rehabilitation but also prioritize prevention. This camp has been instrumental in fostering anti-drug education at every level, from national programs down to barangay activities. Together, we are sowing the seeds of awareness and empowerment, equipping our communities with the knowledge and tools needed to build a drug-free future,” said Bechayda.

“You are now ambassadors of change, and I have no doubt that you will continue to champion the ideals of the BIDA program in your respective communities,” she added.