MANILA (UPDATED) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government has teamed up with the Philippine Basketball Association to beef up the government's anti-drug campaign.

DILG chief Benjamin Abalos Jr. is banking on the PBA's "star power" to boost the "Buhay Ingatan, Droga Ayawan" (BIDA) campaign which focuses on the demand reduction component of their drive against illegal drugs.

The BIDA program was launched last year using a multisectoral approach to strengthen the fight against illegal drugs by focusing on three pillars: prevention; law enforcement; and penology, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

"Usually naka-focus itong mga pusher sa mga bata ages 15 to 35. At ngayon napakaganda ng laban (sa PBA). Ang mga bata iniidolo nila ang ating mga players ng basketball. Whatever their idols do, susundin nila," said Abalos shortly before signing the agreement during the halftime of Game 4 between Barangay Ginebra and Talk 'N Text, Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

"This kind of partnership will give us a big boost in out campaign. Importante, let's get the kids involved in sports, let's say no to drugs."

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and Chairman Ricky Vargas said they are just delighted to partner with the DILG.

Marcial cited the DILG's role in helping the league recover from the effect of the pandemic.

"Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Secretary Abalos na walang tigil sa pagsuporta sa PBA. Noong pandemya sila ang sumusuporta sa atin. Anytime, welcome kayo sa PBA," he said.

Vargas, for his part, the program echoed their fight against illegal drugs.

"Kami sa PBA nadaanan din namin ang krisis sa drugs... Kami hindi lang drug free, hindi rin kami judgemental. Gusto rin namin tignan with the family, the players, everyone help them go through the process to help them drug free," he said.

"Natutuwa kami for six years, except for one instance, we are drug free."

The partnership between the PBA and the DILG is also expected to send a message to the franchises, players, and fans that the league is against and will not tolerate the adverse effects of the illegal drugs.

The following is expected to come out of the partnership:

• Expression of support to the BIDA Program by PBA team managers, coaches, and players
• Showcase of pictures and videos regarding the BIDA Program in PBA commercials and media coverage (i.e through PBA sportscasters and courtside reporters)
• Showcase of BIDA logo in the jersey uniforms of players and the uniforms of players
• Streaming of the BIDA Official Soundtrack during certain periods of official games (e.g. during timeouts, half-time, etc.)

-- With a report from Jeck Batallones, ABS-CBN News.

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