IN COMPLIANCE with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation No. 929 to prevent the rapid spread of coronavirus disease or Covid-19, the Negros Occidental Drug Rehabilitation Center (NORDC), also called “Ang Dalangpan” is temporarily closing its door to the public.
Executive director Dr. Erneso Palanca recently announced that Ang Dalangpan will not accept new patients, until further notice, in accordance with the mandated community quarantine following the nationwide public health emergency and state of calamity. Visitors are also prohibited from entering the Center, Dr. Palanca added.
On Saturday, March 21, Dr. Palanca said, the 17th anniversary celebration of the NORDC will continue together with its patients and caregivers.
Provincial Board Member Juvy Pepello has been invited as keynote speaker in the program.
NODRC admitted its first patient on March 20, 2003 and to date it has treated close to 1,000 patients in its 17 years of operation.
Dr. Palanca stressed the treatment modality of Ang Dalangpan that includes interactive therapeutic activities and drug-free livelihood ready program. “Addiction is being considered as medical issue”, he added.
The Center is being operated similar to a Primary Health Care institution with in-patient facilities. It is accredited by the Department of Health and the Dangerous Drugs Board, the Province of Negros Occidental and Victorias City government.
Its operating fund comes from donations of the provincial government, local government units – Victorias, Sagay, Cadiz, Silay, Talisay, Kabankalan, Sipalay, Binalbagan and Pontevedra.
While lockdown is ongoing, the public may call (034) 399-3388 or visit the website, www.nodrfi.com. (PR)