8,000 drug surrenders finish rehab program

CEBU, Philippines —  Only over 8,000 out of the over 46,000 drug surrenderers in Cebu province have completed the community-based rehabilitation program, according to the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office (CPADAO).

CPADAO chief Carmen Remedios “Ivy” Durano-Meca said 8,221 out of the 14,373 who enrolled in the rehabilitation program in 35 local government units have finished and will proceed to the next phase which is the community service.

Meca said that those who completed the rehabilitation program will undergo community service within a year but will still be monitored if they remain drug-free.

The Cebu provincial government through CPADAO rolled out the community-based rehabilitation program for drug surrenderers that are considered low-risk.

The community-based program is designed only for drug users that can still be treated through basic interventions, unlike severe drug dependents who need intensive treatment in big rehabilitation centers.

The problem was rehabilitation facilities here could hardly accommodate the upsurge of surrendering drug users. Government-owned centers are limited while private facilities offer expensive services.

Meca said as of this date, a significant number of 49 LGUs have implemented fully the community-based program. But only 35 have produced completers so far.

The remaining two LGUs that have yet to undertake the full program implementation are Asturias and Toledo City. Meca said the Asturias LGU is yet to be subjected to a municipality-wide assessment.

While the assigned interventionists or personnel in Toledo City LGU are still undergoing training on how to facilitate or manage the outpatient program, she added.

The community-based rehabilitation program is seen to address the huge number of drug users who surrendered to authorities amid the current administration's bloody campaign against the illegal substance. — FPL (FREEMAN)