TWENTY-FIVE drug surrenderers succeeded in the community-based rehabilitation program initiated by the Consolacion Municipal Government.
They were recognized as reformed persons during the program's closing ceremony on Monday, December 16, 2019.
Most of the surrenderers were former detainees, who were arrested during drug busts and later released from jail after they admitted guilt as part of their plea bargaining agreement.
Abelardo Banuag, consultant of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Madac), said there were 45 persons who entered the rehabilitation program. However, only 25 persons succeeded in abandoning their drug habits.
The other 20 persons failed to complete the rehabilitation program's phases -- surrenderers' admission of using illegal drugs; building surrenderers' capability to self-regulate; surrenderers' skills training through the help of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
The third phase was conducted every day. Each session lasted for eight hours.
Banuag said the possible reason why some surrenderers opted to quit the program was the lack of support from their families.
The surrenderers who completed the rehab were often accompanied by their family.
Consolacion Mayor Johannes “Joyjoy” Alegado said reformed persons would be tapped as inspirational speakers for the other community-based rehabilitation centers in various barangays.
To ensure that the reformed persons would not go back to their old habits, they will be convened for a meeting and they will be subjected to drug test in all Thursdays.
Alegado urged drug dependents, who want change their lives, to seek treatment from the community-based rehabilitation program as it is free of charge. (GCM/RSR)