Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 17) — The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is joining the fight against illegal drugs.
The league teamed up with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to boost the government’s “Buhay Ingatan, Droga Ayawan” or “BIDA” campaign.
On Sunday, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas officially inked the partnership with Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos at the Araneta Coliseum.
The anti-drug campaign focuses on demand reduction, preventive measures, and intervention efforts.
Abalos believes PBA players can be good ambassadors, especially with their great influence on the youth.
“Usually naka-focus ‘yung (drug) pushers sa mga bata ages 15-25,” Abalos said.
[Translation: Usually, drug pushers focus on those ages 15 to 25]
“Halos lahat ng nanonood, lalo na mga bata, iniidolo natin ang ating mga players ng basketball [Almost all viewers of basketball, especially minors, look up to the players]. Whatever their idols do, susundin ng mga bata [the children will follow]. And for us, this kind of partnership will give us a big boost in our campaign,” he added.
