The SADFREE Movement, which stands for Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs Free Movement celebrates its 7th year anniversary on August 9, 2011 with the theme, “Pitong (7) Hakbang Tungo sa Paaralan at Pamayanang Ligtas sa Sigarilyo, Alak at Drogra.”
“Indeed, this elebration makes me a proud citizen of San Ildefonso for it is in our town that a strong movement on smoking, alcohol and drugs free community has been conceptualized and originated,” Dr. Gerardo I. Mendoza, Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC) President, said during his welcome remarks.
He added, “In pursuance of this advocacy, therefore, we shall adopt a BASC, the concept and ideals of the SADFREE Movement. Very soon, I will issue a Memo addressed to all faculty, staff and students that BASC can no longer tolerate smoking, alcohol drinking and drug use.”
Hon. Daniel R. Fernando, Vice-Governor of Bulacan, extended his greetings and deep appreciation for the worthy cause of the SADFREE Movement.
This year’s celebration featuraes the following highlights: Alay Lakad which participated by more than 2,000 high school students, teachers, administrators, government officials and workers, various religious groups, private sectors and non-governmental organizations;
Lighting of the Torch wherein representatives from different sectors starting from a kindergarten to a high school student, teachers, principals, Councilors, to Former Mayor Edgardo Galvez and Pastor Ron Genebago passed the torches to Mayor Paula Carla Galvez-Tan and Congresswoman Daryl Grace Abayon, who finally burned the makeshift cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. This symbolizes the collaboration of all sectors to save the youth from these vices;
Speeches of Guest Speakers which include Hon. Edgardo Galvez, former mayor of San Ildefonso; Hon. Daniel R. Fernando, Vice-Governor of Bulacan; Hon. Daryl Grace Abayon, Congresswoman- AANGAT TAYO; P.SUPT. Anselmo Baluyot, Chief of Police, San Ildefonso PNP, Hon. Rolando Centeno, Vice Mayor of San Ildefonso and Hon. Paula Carla Galvez Tan, Mayor of San Ildefonso, Bulacan.
In her speech, Mayor Galvez, appreciated the strong support of the Seventh-day Adventist through the Adventist Community Services (ACS) to save the youth from smoking, alcohol drinking and using drugs. As a gift, the Seventh-day Adventist gave her Bible Story for her children and a copy of the Great Controversy. All platform participants received copies of the Great Controversy as well. Pitong Hakbang Presentations, wherein 7 High Schools participated. Each participating school creatively presented through dance interpretation the 7 steps to make their school and community smoke, alcohol and drugs free. Bulacan Agricultural State College High School won the first price. Through dance interpretation they creatively presented these 7 steps to a smoke, alcohol and drugs free school and community: Pamilya (Family), Pag-ibing (Love), Pag-aaruga (Nurture), Pagsisisi (Repentance), Pagbabago (Change), Pagasa (Hope), and Panginoon (God). Pastor Bryan Tolentino, North Bulcan 2 District pastor said, “I was deeply touched by the presentation.”
The SADFREE Movement Meycauayan Chapter, headed by Dan Aquino was present during the event. They members were recognized during the c elebration. The program culminated with the closing remarks of Brother Arman Bernardo, Head Elder of San Ildefonso Seventh-day Adventist Church and the closing prayer of Pastor Tolentino.