Dagupan CADAC launches rehab program for drug users

By October 16, 2016Headlines, News

THE Dagupan City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) launched last week a community-based drug rehabilitation program for self-confessed drug users.

The program, S.U.R.E. or Sagip User Rehabilitation and Empowerment, was launched during the first meeting of the city’s CADAC after the council was reconstituted.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, CADAC chair, said the S.U.R.E. program can start enrolling at least 20 addicted users, ages 18 to 25, who will have to take the drug test for free at the Region I Medical Center before they are qualified and endorsed to the Drug Rehabilitation Center in Bonuan Binloc. All costs will be subsidized by the city government.

The city government will initially give priority to self-confessed drug users found with higher degree of addiction to ensure that even the worst drug users will have a chance to turn a new leaf and live.

The lesser affected will be considered out-patients and will undergo counseling and training on livelihood projects so that they can have gainful employment.

Fernandez already asked Supt. Neil Miro, police chief, to submit names of surrendered users who may be recommended for treatment under the DTRC.

“After completing their rehabilitation program, their training with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) or enrollment in the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System or ALS will follow,” said Fernandez.

The council designated acting City Health Officer Dr. Sheila Sabado to lead the evaluating team along with the City Social Welfare and Development Office that will be responsible for the rehabilitation of affected drug dependents.

In addition, a task force, headed by lawyer Lemuel Astadan and Janice Hebron from the Catholic Religious Sector as vice-chairman and composed of the Rotary Club of Uptown Dagupan and other non-government organizations, was created to oversee the success of the program.

Meanwhile, the city government also announced the completion of the P5-million after-care facility at the DTRC that was built from the P10 million fund allocated by then Chairman Antonio Villar Jr. of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

The after-care facility will be for those who completed their treatment at DTRC to undergo training on livelihood projects.

Mayor Fernandez earlier said the remaining amount will be returned to DDB or may ask DDB and the Department of Health (DOH) for authority to use the fund to buy a drug testing machine that the police can use to confirm illegal drugs seized. (Leonardo Micua with report from CIO)

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