CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) advocacy cluster, spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-10, held its 2023 1st quarter meeting to intensify and harmonize the region’s efforts against illicit drugs, March 15. The advocacy cluster revisited Executive Order No. 15, also known as the creation of ICAD and an Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force to Suppress the Drug Problem in the Country, to orient new members and remind current members of the importance of continuing ICAD initiatives with the new administration. "Our DILG Secretary, Attorney Benjamin Abalos Jr., has always been an active supporter of ending the illicit drug problem in the country, kaya naman, mas pinaigting pa natin ang ating (That’s why we have strengthened our) Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan, o BIDA program," DILG-10 Regional Director Wilhelm Suyko said. Through the revamped and revitalized BIDA campaign, the DILG-10 and ICAD partner agencies aim to raise awareness and encourage community participation in drug demand reduction through an enhanced information drive and educational campaign using the platforms of social media, television, radio, and print ads. "Our government believes na tayong lahat ang kailangang maging bida kung gusto nating tuluyang wakasan ang illegal na droga (Our government believes that all of us have important roles to play in finally ending illicit drugs)," he said. (VPSB/PIA-10) Source: Philippine Information Agency Photo by: VPSB/PIA10