THE South Western University (SWU) Phinma School of Design + Communication (SD+C) entered into a partnership with the Cebu City Police Office Wellness and Drop-in Center to form a volunteer program that makes use of art and creativity for the full rehabilitation of former drug dependents and their immediate family members.
The art therapy program, overseen by civil society representative Niña Estenzo, is under the newly opened Wellness and Drop-in Center and is one of several other programs formed through multi-stakeholder approach on drug rehabilitation.
Using art as a therapeutic medium, the rehabilitation process involves artistic self-expression of clients to help resolve their internal conflicts, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior and/or mood, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self awareness, and achieve overall personal and communal insight.
“This is an opportunity for us in the academe to contribute to the community. In light of recent drive towards a drug-free society, we find it most especially vital to provide opportunities to our clients for self-growth and learning -- through the arts,” said SD+C Executive Director Ria Repunte.
Each session in the art therapy program is tweaked according to the emotional and psychological needs of the clients. The program is also designed to decipher pointers through what the participants discussed and what was revealed through their art.
To commence the partnership, volunteer students of Grade 11 SHS from SD+C finished the wellness center’s wall paint and mural. The student volunteers painted colorful sunflowers and butterflies -- signifying elements of hope, grace, and joy.
Launched on October 2, the Philippine National Police expanded its role in the drug war to include rehabilitation called “Life After Tokhang.” (PR)