The PBA supports the Department of Interior and Local Government on its war on drugs. Present during the signing of the memorandum of agreement on Sunday were (from L-R) Usec. Margarita Gutierrez, PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Asec. Rolando Puno, Director Debbi Torres and Director Marlo Guanzon.
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THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) forged a partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to boost the government agency's war on drugs.
The 48-year-old pro league has been tapped as the new partner of the DILG for its Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan (BIDA) program since basketball and sports in general, promote a healthy lifestyle and help kids and young ones to turn away from drugs.
"Alam naman natin na halos lahat ngayon ng nanonood lalo na yung mga bata, iniidolo nila ang ating mga players sa basketball. And whatever their idols do, susundin yan ng mga bata," said DILG secretary Benhur Abalos during the presser for the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the PBA held Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"And for us, this type of partnership will truly give us a big boost in our campaign."
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Abalos was joined by Commissioner Willie Marcial and Board chairman Ricky Vargas in signing the MoA.
Marcial expressed gratitude to Abalos, who has been supportive of the PBA even during his time as chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
"Alam naman ninyo nung pandemya, siya ang sumuporta sa atin. Siya ang nagbigay sa atin ng (COVID-19) vaccine para sa players, coaches, staff, at mga media," Marcial stressed.
"Kaya maraming salamat sa inyo Secretary Abalos at welcome kayo anytime sa PBA."
For his part, Vargas reiterated the league's support in the DILG's campaign against drugs.
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"Our players can go out there with the Secretary, and we encourage them to go out there with the DILG kasi naniniwala kami sa BIDA. Salamat Secretary for making us a part of this," said the chairman.
Also witnessing the MoA signing were DILG Undersecretaries Marge Gutierrez and Lord Villanueva. (RG)
