The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has joined the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in its campaign against drug use in the country.
On Thursday, at the Richmonde Hotel in Eastwood City, the UAAP, together with professional leagues such as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and Premier Volleyball League (PVL), joined forces to represent the sports sector in the launch of the ministry’s “BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan)” program.
According to Atty. Rene “Rebo” Saguisag, the executive director of the UAAP, involving athletes in the government’s anti-drug campaign is a positive step forward since they serve as role models for the youth.
“We welcome this new approach to a long-standing problem – the landscape has changed significantly, and so must our strategies,” said Saguisag, who is also a councilor in the first district of Makati City.
“Today’s student-athletes also play a crucial role in shaping society, and they can do so through constantly evolving platforms.”
Also representing the UAAP were Season 85 Vice President Rodrigo Roque of University of the East and De La Salle University’s representative to the Board of Managing Directors Emmanuel Calanog.
The UAAP will actively participate in this campaign through its sporting events.
“In the end, we hope to come out as winners, dahil tayong lahat ang BIDA,” said Saguisag.
