I felt so sad that lately, I have not attended seminar workshops that could enhance my skills in handling victims of substance abuse. I missed invites about substance addiction and mental health as a speaker or participant. I thought there would be less chances this year, but God is always good; it started three weeks ago when I received letters of invitation.
Among the invitations was from the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council Technical Adviser, Ronald Rivera. He invited me to join the "Yakap Bayan" training, which I failed to attend. I was very lonely when I could not come due to hectic schedules. And I thought I would miss the chance until Dr. Melba L. Manapol, PhD, RSW requested me to join the same seminar-workshop, but I must give up other speakership invitations. Even then, honestly, I have no regrets as I was able to complete the 3-day session, and I have learned a lot.
Yakap Bayan is a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) program. It is a strategy to assist Recovering Persons Who Used Drugs (RPWUDs) to regain social functioning and sustain lifestyle transformation after rehabilitation or treatment with the helping efforts of the families, communities, and Local Government Units (LGU) service providers. And this is good for the Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) will knit the current resources of the LGUs, NGAs, and CSOs. As Sir Kevin Antonio Bumagat, RSW, said, “Yakap Bayan" will embrace the whole-of-nation and community approach.
During the first day of the seminar, I learned that “Yakap Bayan” best features the continuum of care where the prevention of stigma is essential. Hence interventions are standardized at the barangay level. Based on my experience with my patients, stigma fuels relapse. I say this because stigma is contrary to human dignity. It elicits toxic shame leading to feelings of being devalued and defenseless. Why remove “dignity” when this is a fundamental right among all?
I have also realized that most health care providers have poorer regard for substance abuse disorders than those with diabetes mellitus or other medical conditions until now. Sad that others have forgotten our oath not to do harm or injustice to anyone we serve. And so, the "Yakap Bayan" reminds us to prevent injustice by advocating for those discriminated due to substance use.
Indeed, I am so excited to utilize the skills I have learned on how to help the Recovering Persons Who Use Drugs (RPWUDS) in the aftercare program. The 3-day seminar-workshop taught me how to assist the RPWUDS in their preparation or transition for reintegration. It also provided me with sufficient information on how to enhance their capacities to cope with the changing demands while returning to their communities with the help of an enabling environment leading to transformation. And best of all, "Yakap Bayan" also prioritized enriching Families' knowledge, attitudes, and skills to journey with the RPWUDs in attaining recovery.
I am truly blessed to have attended the "Yakap Bayan" aftercare program seminar workshop. More blessed to be with Mary Grace P. Monocillo, MSSW, RSW – AdDU Center Against Illegal Drugs Director, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and Philippine National Police (PNP) Community Relations. And now, I can say that I am ready to be one of “Yakap Bayan” facilitators. Here I come.