SIXTY-FIVE drug reformists in Bacolod City gathered Tuesday, May 30, for the culminating activity of their eight-week Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) facilitated by the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Cadac).
The former drug dependents were among those who voluntarily surrendered to 10 stations of Bacolod City Police Office through Oplan Tokhang and endorsed to Cadac for rehabilitation.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia, chairman of Cadac, congratulated the 65 drug reformists for completing the rehabilitation program.
Cadac had earlier identified 105 drug surrenderers for the CBDRP, but some of them failed to join the various rehabilitation activities.
“Congratulations, you are a cut above the rest because you sustained this,” the mayor told them, adding that making it to the culmination activity also showed their courage, determination, capability, and character as drug reformists.
“There’s no reason to turn around. We look forward to you being the guiding light in our quest to make Bacolod drug-free,” Leonardia told the group.
The mayor reiterated that the anti-drug program is a priority of his administration in support of the war on drugs of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The drug reformists received their certificates of completion, medicines, and groceries.
They will also receive livelihood assistance or employment under the Department of Social Welfare Development and Public Employment Services Office.
The Cadac spent almost P500,000 for the eight-week community-based drug rehabilitation program.
Of the 10 police stations, Police Station 8 has the highest number of drug reformists with a total of 21.
Ralph Cuenca, 47, of Barangay Handumanan, said that he’s been a drug user for almost a year. He said he is thankful that they were given a chance to reform and to start a new life.
Cuenca said he completed the trainings and vowed not to engage in illegal drugs again.
“At first, I’m hesitant to join but I found out that it’s a good program to change my life for my family. Illegal drugs destroyed my life and I promised to my children not to do it again,” he said.
Senior Superintendent Jack Wanky, officer-in-charge of BCPO, who presented the 65 drug reformists to Regional Director Roselyn Borja of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Negros Island Region, said the police salutes them and expressed hope that they will continue their reformation.
Other city officials, including Councilor Ricardo Tan, chairman of committee on police matters, peace and order, and illegal drugs, and Councilor Em Ang, chairperson of committee on social welfare, along with City Director Carmelo Orbista of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and City Health Officer Carmela Gensoli also came to show support to the drug reformists.