‘Sampol’ series tells stories of recovering addicts from Minglanilla rehab

CEBU, Philippines — As a recovering addict, it took 18 rehabilitation visits for Jimmy Clemente to clean up his act. In 2009, together with his wife Sheila, they provided a safe space for recovering drug and alcohol addicts at their apartment in Barangay Tinago, Cebu City, where they would regularly meet and participate in recovery activities.

As more joined, the couple rented a piece of land in Minglanilla, Cebu, in 2013, which was eventually purchased by Jimmy’s parents who are proud of their son who managed to recover from his vices and help others.

After receiving complaints from concerned neighbors that led local government officials to investigate the purpose of the property, the couple decided to formalize their advocacy. In 2014, they transformed it into a rehab and recovery center named F.A.R.M. or Family and Recovery Management Center.

“We call it FARM because when someone in the family is sick with addiction, the family suffers too, so they are part of the recovery process,” Center Director Bong Cabalan said during a press conference at Quest Hotel Cebu when FARM celebrated its 10th anniversary.

With referrals from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), F.A.R.M. has treated clients ranging from a minor to an 80-year-old.

“A lot of psychiatrists and rehab owners across the country who knew me were shocked to find out that I had changed for the better and was helping others recover,” Jimmy said. “More people left the center changed for the better than those who returned relapsed because what we do here comes from the heart.”

As F.A.R.M. celebrates its decade of service, Jimmy and Sheila’s story, along with those of a few recovering patients (referred to as ‘clients’ by the organization), are dramatized in an online series titled “Sampol”, written and directed by former CCTN filmmaker Stella Palomo Monteño.

“It’s called Sampol slang for ‘example’ because their lives are examples for others to see that there is hope and recovery for former addicts,” Monteño explained.

The series consists of four stories split into 20-minute episodes: “The Story of J & S,” “The Story of B & K,” “The Story of H,” and “The Story of JID,” airing 8 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on the “Sampol Production by FARM” YouTube channel. The pilot premiered on October 1.

Monteño’s approach to the stories is through a semi-documentary format, incorporating interviews with the subjects as well as dramatized reenactments performed by Cebuano actors.

MJ Jason Jabonero and Ericka Navasca portray Jimmy and Sheila in “The Story of J & S.” Jabonero told The FREEMAN he accepted the role because Jimmy’s story hit close to home.

“I took the role wholeheartedly because my father was once a drug user, and I am also a clinical psychologist. When I watched Jimmy’s interviews, I could identify with the way addiction affected him,” he said.

Other Cebuano actors playing leads in subsequent stories include Joey Carey Losep and Melchie Cantago in “The Story of B and K”; Harvey Lubas in “The Story of JID”; and Jugie Gonzales and Arnel Pahang in “The Story of H.”

Though a bit of creative license was involved, such as the inclusion of a few fictional characters and the omission of direct depictions of addiction, Monteño aimed to be faithful to the source material as much as possible.

“We’re telling the stories as they happened. Just by listening to them share their experiences, you understand them better, and you also get to hear their life and love stories,” said Monteño.

By sharing the stories of F.A.R.M.’s clients, including its founders, the team hopes the series will change public perception towards addicts and their vices.

“This is our way of reducing the stigma around addiction,” Cabalan said. “There are stories behind the addiction. None of our clients ever planned to become addicts. Nobody wants to be one. There’s always a story behind the addiction.”

He added, “We don’t like to boast, because our success is found in the transformations that God has made possible in their lives. By God’s grace, many have returned to their families, found peace, and become productive members of society. Some have even gone on to pursue their dreams. We want to tell people that addiction is not the end of the world.”

Jimmy reflected, “We educate our clients that there’s life after drugs. We can have fun, deal with problems, get angry or sad, and still argue with our spouse — without needing drugs or alcohol.”

Monteño said she encourages those similarly struggling to come out and tell their stories.

“They’re doing something noble by helping people, yet many still don’t know about FARM. If we share their stories, we help promote the center, and more people can heal from addiction.”