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| The BIDA Color Run in Ormoc City brings together various sectors to promote unity against illegal drugs. Photo: DILG Region 8/Facebook |
TACLOBAN CITY – On June 23, 2023, Ormoc City hosted the Buhay Ingatan Droga'y Ayawan (BIDA) Color Run in a vibrant display of solidarity against illegal drugs. The event transformed Ormoc's streets into a canvas of colorful powders to foster unity and harmony, symbolizing the community's commitment to the drug war.
Over 300 participants embarked on a 5-kilometer journey, starting from the New Ormoc City Hall and culminating at the City Unified Hospital in Barangay San Pablo. Five stations awaited the runners along the route, where they were showered with vibrant and vivid powders, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.
The festivities included a lively Community Dance featuring the BIDA theme song, led by the City Anti-Illegal Drug Unit. The participants' synchronized movements and infectious energy further amplified the event's message of collective action.
Distinguished guests, including the Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 8, Arnel Agabe, graced the occasion as Guests of Honor. Director Agabe emphasized the significance of events like the BIDA Color Run, as they symbolize unity and encourage communities to actively participate in the campaign against illegal drugs. He highlighted that only together, as a united front, can the battle against drug abuse be won.
The BIDA Color Run was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various organizations, including the Ormoc City Local Government Unit, AGAK Drug Rehabilitation and Wellness Facility, DILG Ormoc, and City Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (CADAC). The city's business sector generously sponsored the event, emphasizing community involvement's importance.
The event witnessed a remarkable turnout from different sectors, with the attendance of Ormoc City Local Government Officials, Barangay Officials, Sangguniang Kabataan, representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), students, uniformed personnel, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), DILG Ormoc City Personnel, representatives from DILG Region VIII, and members of the private sector. —iTacloban