DDB hands out another P5M for rehab center

By July 14, 2013Inside News, News

THE Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) turned over another P5-million for the ongoing construction of the dormitory of the Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (TRC) in Barangay Bonuan Binloc in Dagupan.

Secretary Antonio Villar Jr., DDB Chairman, gave the cheque to Dagupan Mayor Belen Fernandez during the agency’s board meeting last Thursday in Quezon City attended by representatives from different government agencies.

Villar said he wants the TRC finished soon so that drug dependents undergoing rehabilitation could be admitted for total rehabilitation in the center and not just as outpatients as the case is currently.

The DDB already gave an initial P10 million for the facility, but the construction of the administration building was prioritized over the dormitory.

Villar said he entrusted the additional P5 million to Fernandez because he wants the mayor, who is a strong anti-illegal drugs advocate, to supervise the disposition of the funds.

The Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) management administers the TRC under the Department of Health (DOH) and Villar said he would release another P5-million as soon as the liquidation report of the latest release is submitted to his office.

Villar said he was impressed by the dedication of Fernandez in the drive against illegal drugs having spearheaded the launching of Barkada Kontra Droga and providing leadership and skills training for the youths and other activities that encourage the young to be productive citizens.

It was also Fernandez who sought the DDB’s funding support for the TRC through a resolution passed by the city council three years ago when she was still a vice mayor.

Villar told his colleagues during the meeting that he is giving his all-out support for this project because it will cater not only to Pangasinan but the entire Region 1.

The rehab facility is the first-of- its kind in Region 1 and north of Manila that can serve 300 to 400 patients.

It opened its services for out-patients on Dec. 3, 2011.

Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia initiated the construction of this project and gave funding from his Priority Development Assistance Fund.

The DOH also gave funding support for its construction.—Eva Visperas

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