Over 1,000 residents and employees from private and public offices participated in the “BUHAY INGATAN, DROGA’Y AYAWAN (BIDA) Ta-Run na Kontra Droga 2.0! Color the Fun, Run the Fight” event held on July 26 at the Provincial Capitol in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.

The provincial government, led by Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano, joined forces with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to support the initiative for a drug-free society.

The color fun run, which took place around the capitol compound, saw participation from various government agencies including the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and PhilHealth.

Representatives from the municipal governments of Mamburao, Paluan, Sta Cruz, and Abra de Ilog, as well as employees from the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro and DILG, also took part in the event.

Following the run, a brief program was held where Governor Gadiano expressed his gratitude to the participants.

Provincial DILG Director Juanito D. Olave CESO V also extended his thanks to the citizens who ran and supported the cause for a drug-free society.

Notable attendees included ARD Rey S. Maranan, CESO IV of DILG MIMAROPA, ARD Donelyn M. Hemedez of PDEA MIMAROPA, PCol Timoteo L Espiritu Jr of PPO Occidental Mindoro, Mayor Angelina F. Tria of LGU Mamburao, Mayor Walter B. Marquez of LGU Sablayan, and Mayor Michael D. Diaz of LGU Paluan.

The program aims to raise public awareness about the negative effects of illegal drugs and increase community cooperation with government initiatives to emphasize the importance of eradicating drugs from local communities.

The event is part of the ongoing efforts by local and national government agencies to combat drug abuse and promote a healthier, drug-free environment in Occidental Mindoro and the broader MIMAROPA region. (source: PIO Occidental Mindoro)