COSAP mulls own reformatory center

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) is working on the establishment of the city government’s own reformatory center for the small-time pushers to help them improve their respective situation and to not anymore go back to their illegal activities.

COSAP head Jonah John Rodriguez said this is among the programs they are pursuing this year.

“Nag-process pa mi sa pagtukod gyud sa atong kaugalingon nga balay silangan, reformatory for small time pusher. Atong temporary building naa man sa (Barangay) Taptap nya six months ra man to,” said Rodriguez as reported by the city’s Public Information Office (PIO).

In addition, Rodriguez said among their goals is to put up an area for children who got involved in illegal drugs.

“Atong target ang special center for drugs sa mga bata. Para ni sa mga youth nga nahisalaag unya dili sila pwede i-apil aning mga dagko kay basin mainpluwensiyahan. Maoy amo pang ginangitaan pa og pwesto,” he said.

Meanwhile, COSAP is just awaiting for the Bids and Awards Committee to choose a Department of Health-certified drug testing center so that they again start conducting surprise drug testing.

Once the bidding is done and BAC has already chosen, COSAP will immediately begin the task of clearing all Cebu City Hall offices of drug users. Rodriguez said this would also include officials and staff of the city’s 80 barangays.

He warned that they will recommend termination for those who test positive for illegal drugs.

In six months, COSAP was able to rehabilitate at least 5,800 individuals, with 3,000 of them being able to complete the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP).

Those who insisted not to participate on the said program will still be included on the watchlist of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Rodriguez said that the CBDRP made a significant contribution to the community, citing barangays Inayawan and Basak Pardo wherein the number of robbery cases has decreased.

He said this is one of the reasons why even if illegal drugs cannot be easily stopped, they will continue to prevent residents from getting involved to such through the CBDRP. — FPL (FREEMAN)