Proposed drug treatment program deferred anew

CEBU, Philippines — For the second time, the second reading for the proposed standardization of the community-based treatment program for Cebu Province was deferred.

This decision was made by the Provincial Board (PB) in a special session last Wednesday after they saw the need to have a public hearing prior to the approval of the plan.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who presides in the PB session, restated that there are sections that need public consultation such as the fines for non-compliant individuals after voluntarily subjecting themselves in the treatment program.

The author of the resolution and the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office (CPADAO) have yet to set a date for the consultation.

The second reading was first deferred by the sponsor (1) to give time for the other PB members to read the contents of the proposal, (2) to give the proponents time to submit the missing annexes, and (3) to give the proponents the chance to improve the proposed ordinance as per the initial recommendations of the PB members.

Meanwhile, the author and CPADAO representatives clarified that the program is intended for surrenderees with mild drug-addiction, as it is an outpatient program.

Surrenderees who will be diagnosed with high illegal drug dependence will be recommended for an inpatient rehabilitation treatment and program such as that in Argao, Cebu.

The proposed ordinance is dubbed as Province Community-Based Treatment Program (PCBTP).

Under the proposal, the drug surrenderees who want to avail of the project will be subjected to a six-month program.

The sessions will be held once in a week as it is the usual day off of those surrenderees who are working.

Before one can avail, the interested individual shall sign an agreement to live a drug-free life after the treatment and participate in community activities.

Failure to comply with some provisions may merit fines.

This program is proposed to be implemented by the Barangay and Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC/MADAC).

One board member opened up the possibility to provide incentives to local government units which will be compliant with the PCBTP. (FREEMAN)