THE City Government of San Fernando remains steadfast in addressing the local drug situation, as 115 more drug reformists graduated on July 10, 2021 from the rehabilitation program of the local government.

Through its City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Cadac), the local government unit (LGU) held a closing ceremony to commend and celebrate the success of several drug reformists who have completed the six months rehabilitation program.

Mayor Edwin Santiago promised to continuously provide sustainable institutional support for them.

“Ang siyudad San Fernnado ay isa sa mga lugar na nangunguna sa laban kontra sa iligal na droga. At dito hindi lang natin basta hinuhuli at nilalagay sa kulungan ang mga nagkakasala dahil dinadaan natin sa tamang proseso lahat. At sa gabay ng ating mga partner agency, binibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang mga karapat-dapat at nais magbago. At isa kayo sa mga mapapalad kaya sana tuloy-tuloy na po ito,” the mayor said.

Reformists benefited from the psycho-educational program, including family education, community service, recreational activities, skills training, spiritual and values formation, which helps them obtain access to information, care, self-help, and recovery support.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin encouraged the reformists to start their lives anew.

“Ang pagbabago, kailangan nanggagaling sa puso at sa isip. Pag lumabas na kayo sa realidad, mas matindi pa ang tukso. Sabihin nyo sa sarili nyo, ‘tama na’. Puntahan mo ang pamilya mo, ayusin mo ang pamilya at trabaho,” Lazatin said.

Cadac will still monitor the graduate-reformists from six to 18 months. Reformists will be randomly tested three times in six months.

Alyas “Jose,” one of the graduates, also shared his experience and thanked the LGU for its support and assistance.

“Maraming salamat po sa LGU dahil binigyan po kami ng isa pang chance para magsimula ulit kasama ang aming mga pamilya. Sa katunayan ako po ay nahihiya sa mga anak ko kaya pinagpapatuloy ko yung pagbabago ko. Mahirap pong patunayan at ibalik ang tiwala ng pamilya natin at mga kakilala natin. Kaya paulit-ulit ko pong sinasabing magbago at kalimutan na ang dating gawain,” he said.

In 1998, Cadac was created “to serve as the focal point through which various organizations and individuals work together cooperatively in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs on drug abuse prevention.” (PR)