THE Mandaue City Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Office (Samhso) is set to integrate the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System (ALS) into its aftercare program for around 800 recovering drug dependents, also known as “drug warriors.”
This initiative aims to provide educational opportunities for individuals unable to complete their schooling, giving them a second chance at learning and improving their employment prospects.
Samhso head Ebenezer Daryll Manzano told reporters on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, that the program will offer three levels of education: basic literacy (reading and writing), elementary and high school.
As part of their ongoing rehabilitation, drug warriors will undergo a six-month aftercare program that includes monitoring to ensure they stay committed to recovery and fully break free from illegal drug use.
“The default duration is 18 months, but it depends on their progress. If they relapse or return to drug use, they will have to start over from the beginning. That’s their motivation to complete the program and stay clean,” Manzano said.
The aftercare program also includes skills training to help participants reintegrate into society and prevent them from returning to illegal drugs.
To achieve this, Samsho is aligning its efforts with the Mandaue City Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and DepEd.
Currently, Samsho is in discussions with DepEd’s ALS program to facilitate ALS classes within Samsho, in coordination with the Parole and Probation Administration for probationary clients.
The plan is still being finalized, but the implementation is set to begin in June, aligning with the start of the new school year.
“For those drug warriors who did not complete high school, we will provide assistance, especially for those who cannot read or write, as well as those who started school but were unable to finish,” Manzano said.
Once participants complete ALS, they will have access to job placement services through the Public Employment Service Office.
The ultimate goal of aftercare is successful reintegration into society, countering the stigma that former drug users are a burden.
“We want people to see that these individuals have changed. This transformation should shift public perception, proving that people can turn their lives around,” he added.
So far, Samsho has helped 300 drug warriors graduate from its rehabilitation programs.
With around 1,064 drug warriors currently in the program, Mandaue City has the highest number of reformed individuals in the region, he said.
However, Samsho is still finalizing the official tally.
It also conducts regular drug testing to monitor participants. / CAV