By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Describing 2023 as a prolific year for the country’s anti-drug efforts of the Marcos Jr. administration, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday vowed that the BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan) Program will only get bigger in the years to come as it reaches the grassroots level.

Launched late 2022, Maharlika NuMedia gathered the DILG’s BIDA Program is an intensified campaign against illegal drugs focused on the reduction of drug demand through a “grassroots approach” using a multi-sectoral approach to strengthen the fight against illegal drugs by focusing on three pillars: (1) prevention; (2) law enforcement; at (3) penology, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

Abalos said the DILG’s holistic anti-drug campaign reached 15 regions of the country with over 230,000 individuals participating in different BIDA-related activities in 2023.

“Sa nakalipas na taon, naging bagong mukha ng kampanya kontra iligal na droga ang ating BIDA Program,” he said.

Abalos credited the DILG’s personnel, and offices including local government units (LGUs), private sector partners, and other stakeholders for expanding the BIDA Program’s reach in the first year of its implementation.

“Thanks to your efforts, we have conducted BIDA Fun Runs, training programs, Serbisyo Caravans, and other BIDA activities in 15 regions across the country involving various sectors,” the DILG chief said.

He disclosed that the DILG signed strategic partnerships with more than 30 big business establishments, major sports organizations, and entertainment giants to promote the BIDA Program and raise awareness about the ill effects of illegal drugs.

“We are definitely off to a good start. We were able to bring the spirit of BIDA down to our communities in just over a year since its launch,” Abalos stressed.

He added: “Asahan po ninyo na magpapatuloy at lalo pang palalakasin ang kampanyang ito sa tulong ng iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan.”

(El Amigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Reiterating its commitment for “optimal devolution” for local government units, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday said that 493 LGUs will receive an “incentive fund” after being given a Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

In its yearend report, the DILG said that these include 28 provinces, 64 cities, and 401 municipalities.

“With an inclusive approach, the Department committed to fully empower LGUs for optimal devolution through capacity building interventions, incentives and recognition, and continued technical assistance,” the DILG pointed out.

It added that these LGUS will get the SGLG Incentive Fund (SGLGIF) which can be used for development programs and initiatives.

The DILG disclosed that since the SGLGIF was established in 2010, a total of Php7.79 billion in subsidies to 71 provinces and 1,130 cities and municipalities had been given.

“These concerted efforts are anchored towards enabling LGUs to provide excellent and quality service delivery for the benefit of the communities,” the DILG explained.

As of end of November 2023, the DILG reported a total of 4,151 projects, or 99.98 percent of the total 4,152, have been completed.

(IAmigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Stressing that he is one with the Chief Executive, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order (EO) No. 51 creating a special committee on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) affairs.

Abalos pointed out that EO 51 is a testament to the PBBM administration’s commitment to upholding gender equality and inclusivity.

“The signing of Executive Order (EO) No. 51, s. 2023 by the President is a bold and welcome move as it recognizes the need to tackle and put the rights of Filipinos, regardless of gender and sexual orientation,” Abalos said in a statement on Wednesday, December 27.

The DILG chief vowed that he would push for programs and policies that would promote diversity and fully observe human rights and gender equality.

“Sama-sama nating isulong ang isang Bagong Pilipinas kung saan kabahagi ang bawat Pilipino anuman ang relihiyon, edad, sekswalidad at pagkakalinlan,” Abalos stressed.

It was gathered that EO 51 was signed by the President on Dec. 22, creating the Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs under the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) which aims to strengthen existing mechanisms to address the continued discrimination being experienced by the members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The special body will provide them an avenue to participate in policy formulation of the government despite the absence of an established body specifically dedicated to promoting their rights and addressing their concerns.

Furthermore, the Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs, which will be under the reconstituted Diversity and Inclusion Committee (DIC), will be led by a chairperson with the rank of an undersecretary and will have three members with the rank of assistant secretary.

The DIC will be led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary and co-chaired by the secretaries of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Abalos as the DILG secretary will serve as the DIC’s vice chairperson.

(IAmigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are set to enhance the implementation of a localized agriculture production program, aiming to ensure food security and alleviate poverty in the country.

Heading the initiative is the Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay, Kadiwa’y Yaman, Plants for Bountiful Barangays Movement (HAPAG Kay PBBM) Program, a comprehensive effort by the government.

The Presidential Communications Office describes the “HAPAG Kay PBBM Program” as a whole-of-government initiative that seeks to increase access to fresh, safe, and affordable food through urban and peri-urban agriculture, along with community engagement.

As part of the program, the DA will offer technical assistance, seeds and seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, and financial support to participating barangays and farmers.

Meanwhile, the DILG will provide training and support to barangay officials, guiding them on how to effectively implement the program and mobilize the participation of barangay residents.

The program was simultaneously launched in various barangays across different regions.

(ai/mnm)

Secretary Benhur Abalos of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), accompanied by DILG officials and Chief BJMP Director Ruel S. Rivera, graciously accepted a donation of hygiene products valued at 2 million pesos on Monday, November 27, 2023.

The generous donation, comprising essential hygiene items, was contributed by Reckitt Benckiser Group, a prominent British Multinational Company recognized for its ownership of health products such as Lysol and Strepsil.

The formal handover ceremony unfolded at the Manila City Jail Male Dormitory along Quezon Blvd., Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Captivating moments from the event are featured here, showcasing Secretary Benhur Abalos and other government officials and donors during the handover ceremony at the Manila City Jail.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/AI/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

RECEIVING COMPLAINTS THAT SOME LOCAL OFFICIALS were meddling in the recently-concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia on Sunday disclosed that those involved will be facing charges of election offenses.

Garcia said the Comelec will come up with a list of these erring government officials by Monday, November 6.

“Ako’y nagpatawag ng isang pagpupulong kung saan ipa-finalize namin ‘yung listahan na sa aming palagay ay nakialam sa ating halalan. Kinakailangan naming seryosohin ang bagay na ‘yan lalong lalo na maaaring maulit muli sa mga susunod na halalan,” the poll body chief bared in his interview with Super Radyo dzBB.

He noted that the Comelec received more than 10 complaints against local government officials interfering with the BSKE last October 30.

Garcia said these complaints should be verified and investigated before they will be brought to the attention of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

He sternly warned that those who have influenced or threatened the teachers who were forced to back out from their poll duties will be jailed.

“Hindi natin babalikan ang mga guro, hindi tayo magpapakulong ng ating mga bayani o guro. Subalit kung sino ‘yung mga nang-impluwensya o nanakot sa kanila, ‘yan ang babalikan natin. Mukhang dapat kinakailangan mapanagot natin ang mga ‘yan,” Garcia stressed. (ai/mnm)

The National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) conducted its final inspection at the Manila North Cemetery on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Leading this inspection were Regional Director Police Brigadier General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. and MPD Director Police Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay. They were joined by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos.

The images captured Secretary Abalos alongside the police officers during their visit to the North Cemetery for the final inspection in preparation for tomorrow’s religious celebration, All Saints’ Day.

(Report and photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)