UNANG HAKBANG PROJECT

THERE is hope for the 59 self-confessed drug users and pushers in Barangay Tebeng Dagupan City, who surrendered.

The barangay council of Tebeng launched Wednesday its Unang Hakbang project for residents who surrendered by engaging them to make parol (Christmas lantern) that they can sell during this Christmas season.

Barangay Captain Helen Fermil told The PUNCH that the barangay council members initially contributed their personal funds and raised an initial amount of P7,000 to purchase materials for the lanterns.

The youngest among those who surrendered is 19 years old while the oldest is 50. Nine are already in drug rehabilitation, 39 remain in the barangay, the rest have transferred residence to other areas.

“This (parol-making) will be make them productive and earn while undergoing rehabilitation,” she said.

Mayor Belen Fernandez, whose family owns the chain of CSI malls in Pangasinan and nearby provinces, pledged to patronize their products in time for the Christmas season.

P/Supt. Neil Miro, Dagupan acting police chief, also pledged to support the project by buying lanterns for the police station and its precincts.

Fermill said the group, most of whom are employed, will report to the barangay hall every 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. nightly to do the lanterns.

Barangay officials and barangay council members will also be at hand to assist them so they can cope with the demand of their products this early.

As agreed upon, proceeds of the project will be divided equally among the drug personalities who surrendered. (Tita Roces)

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