The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) introduced the “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan,” or BIDA program to promote public safety, peace, and order. As a comprehensive initiative to combat illegal drugs and foster community well-being, the BIDA program can greatly benefit from integrating the 8E Multi-Emergency Early Response App System (8E MEERAS). With its 60-second response time and two separate apps—one for responders and one for user-subscribers—8E MEERAS is a powerful tool for enhancing coordination, trust, public safety, and local government capabilities under the BIDA program.

1. Coordination & cooperation among citizenry, local executives, & law enforcement agencies:

The success of the BIDA program relies on the coordination and cooperation among various stakeholders, including the citizenry, local executives, and law enforcement agencies. The 8E MEERAS responder app is a centralized communication platform that enables seamless coordination between these entities. Responders, including law enforcement personnel and local officials, can swiftly share information, coordinate responses, and mobilize resources through the app. This real-time collaboration streamlines decision-making processes, enhances situational awareness, and fosters a unified approach to tackling drug-related issues.

2. Gaining the trust & support of the local government & the community:

Building trust and gaining support from the local government and the community are essential components of the BIDA program. The 8E MEERAS user-subscriber app plays a crucial role in achieving this objective. By providing an accessible and user-friendly platform, the app empowers community members to actively participate in ensuring public safety. Through the app, individuals can report suspicious activities, share vital information, and request assistance when encountering drug-related incidents. The transparent and reliable nature of the app establishes trust between the community and local government, fostering a sense of security and encouraging active engagement in the fight against illegal drugs.

3. Promoting public safety, peace & order:

A fundamental goal of the BIDA program is to promote public safety, peace, and order within communities. The 8E MEERAS contributes to this objective by facilitating immediate response and assistance in emergencies. By leveraging its great 60-second response time, the app ensures rapid deployment of resources and timely intervention during drug-related incidents. This swift response capability helps prevent crime and reassures the community, ultimately leading to a safer and more secure environment.

4. Strengthening local government’s capability to deliver effective services:

The integration of the 8E MEERAS strengthens the capability of local government units (LGUs) to deliver effective services under the BIDA program. By providing LGUs with a comprehensive emergency response platform, the app enhances their ability to allocate resources efficiently, coordinate interagency efforts, and implement preventive measures against illegal drugs. This strengthened capability ensures that LGUs respond promptly to drug-related incidents, support affected individuals and communities, and undertake proactive initiatives for long-term prevention and rehabilitation.

Overall, the 8E MEERAS proves to be an invaluable tool in supporting the BIDA program of the DILG. Through its responder and user-subscriber apps, 8E MEERAS facilitates coordination, fosters trust, promotes public safety, and strengthens the capability of local government units. By integrating this innovative technology, the BIDA program can harness the power of community engagement, efficient response systems, and proactive measures to create safer and drug-free communities. Together, 8E MEERAS and the DILG’s BIDA program pave the way for a brighter future, where citizenry, local executives, and law enforcement agencies collaborate to safeguard the well-being of all.