PB travel to New York Sanchez: It’s our job

CEBU, Philippines - Provincial Board Member Grecilda Sanchez has defended his colleagues from criticisms for setting a travel to New York to join a study program on drug rehabilitation from November 10 to 16, 2013.

Being the proponent, Sanchez emphasized that they need to make strong policies about drug rehabilitation in the province having certainly felt that the next victim of drug addiction lies in their hands.

“This is our job, I hope they just allow us to do our job,” Sanchez lamented.

Sanchez said that they will not spend money for just socials but the $200 more or less that each PB member would be spent is worth of the learning that they will gain and to implement the same when they return.

“I’m appealing for them to let us and allow us to do our job,” she added.

Sanchez said the Dangerous Drugs Board in one of their caucuses emphasized the need to focus on the rehabilitation.

Some senators Sanchez said have already expressed their desire to help finance the establishment of rehabilitation centers in Cebu.

“Otherwise, if we don’t have enough training, moingon nalang ko sa mga senators palapdi nalang nang mga prisohan because there’s no use for the training if the facility there is not equipped or the law-making bodies in that area is not equipped,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez earlier suggested to his colleagues to take a look at the seminar, which tackles the science of addiction as well as prevention, treatment and how rehabilitation centers should be run.

The PB then passed a resolution sponsored by Sanchez encouraging elected officials, including congressmen in the province, to attend the training.

In a letter dated October 1, 2013, Daytop International, Inc. assistant vice president Frederick Loke invited the board members to attend the training.

Daytop Village Foundation was established in 1963 to treat and rehabilitate substance abusers in New York. It operates about 20 centers.

At least ten members of the Cebu Provincial Board are invited and they are PB Members Peter John Calderon, Jude Thaddeus Sybico, Julian Daan, Raul Alcoseba, Grecilda Sanchez, Joven Mondigo Jr., Sun Shimura, Miguel Antonio Magpale, Arleigh Jay Sitoy and Aladin Wilyamie Caminero.

Sanchez said that she will definitely go as long as there are no hitches in his schedule.

She added that not all them invited could go but only those who have availability of their time. — (FREEMAN)