WITH the goal to help former drug users reform themselves, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government of San Luis recently opened the fourth batch of reformists at Bahay Pagbabago.
San Luis Chief of Police Charlmar Gundaya said 20 former drug personalities were enrolled in the newest batch of the reformation program facilitated by the local police and government, with the support of different sectors of society.
Gundaya said that several programs, including physical, spiritual, moral and technical, will be offered to the drug reformists who are expected to help them reintegrate themselves in the society.
“Itinutuloy lang namin ang dati nang programa ng PNP dahil hindi pa po nauubos iyong mga surrenderers namin at naniniwala po kami sa kagustuhan nilang magbago (We will continue with the PNP's program because there are still a lot of drug users who would want to surrender),” Gundaya said.
Under Bahay Pagbabago, Gundaya said enrollees will be strictly monitored on the progress of their pursuit to disengage themselves on the use of illegal drugs.
A random drug testing will be conducted by the Municipal Health Office during their stay at the facility to ensure that they do not use illegal drugs, and those who will be caught using the drugs will be laid off from Bahay Pagbabago and may face criminal charges.
Aside from reforming the drug surrenderees, Gundaya said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will also provide livelihood, technical skills trainings and seminars on automotive mechanic, cellphone repair and dress making within a span of 30 days to help beneficiaries start a new life after the program.
“Total reformation po ang programa namin dito. Maliban sa kagustuhan na talagang matalikuran nila ang bawa na gamot, gusto natin na matulungan sila na makapagbagong-buhay at makatulong sa kani-kanilang mga pamilya (We want total reformation. Aside from helping them get rid of illegal drugs, we will help them change their lives and help their families),” he said.