388 reformed drug personalities complete SURE

By September 10, 2018Headlines, News

COMMUNITY-BASED REHABILITATION PROGRAM

THE 388 former drug users and pushers who surrendered last year have an opportunity to start a new life after graduating from the Sagip-User Rehabilitation and Empowerment (SURE) program, a community-based rehabilitation program of the Dagupan City government on September 7.

These were the last batch of former drug surrenderers who went through the program, bringing the number of drug reformists in the city to 729 since 2016.

The first and second batches were composed of 101 and 240, respectively.

The SURE program was launched by the city government to provide moral and spiritual formation for drug users undergoing rehabilitation, was conducted in collaboration with with PNP Dagupan and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The City Health Office provided lectures on illegal drugs and its ill effects, internal and external triggers and how to cope up with addiction while religious groups organized spiritual activities and discussions.

Members of PNP Dagupan interacted with the participants on specific sessions with motivational lectures, reiterating the need completely cut dependence on drug use and trading of illegal drugs.

Drug reformists were required to attend four full day sessions in four weeks in order to complete the program.

During the graduation rites held at the PNP Dagupan Station, P/Supt. Jandale Sulit advised the reformists to use this program as an opportunity to start their lives anew.

“You should think about your families and the direction of your lives. There will be more opportunities for you to have decent jobs since the city is continuously thriving. We should be helping our city government, he said.

“Gusto ko kayo ang kasama at kaagapay ko sa pagpapatupad ng peace and order dito sa Dagupan,” Sulit added.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez also encouraged the graduates to learn from their experiences.

“We all face our own sets of challenges. We understand why you suffered from your past situations and decisions but we are all given new opportunities in life. Sana po ay magbagong buhay na tayo,” the mayor said.

Isipin ninyo na hindi na kayo babalik sa droga.” Fernandez added.

Among those present during the graduation rites were P/Chief Inspector. Norman T. Florentino of Pangasinan PPO, Councilor Joey Tamayo and Punong Barangays Evangelita Dela Cruz (Calmay), Helen Fermill (Tebeng), Julita Perez (Pantal), Dexter Meneses (Lasip Chico) and Ferdinand Lamsen (Salisay) as well as members of the barangay council of Bonuan Gueset.

A surprise drug test was also conducted during the ceremony to ensure that the graduates continued to be free from drugs.

The close monitoring of the activities of the 338 drug reformists will continue and will be required to report to their respective barangays every month before their names could be recommended for delisting in the drug watch list. (With report from CIO/ VDV)

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