In support of the government’s efforts to address the alarming increase of drug abuse in the country, the Rising Phoenix Foundation, Inc., a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization opened its drug rehabilitation and formation center amidst the cool therapeutic highlands of Tagaytay City in February last year. The Phoenix Ridge, as the center is called, is a home where people caught in a web of various addictions and dysfunctional behavior face their past head-on and are encouraged by experienced staff members and professionals to begin the healing process through an eclectic rehabilitation program in a nurturing and therapeutic environment.
Founded by five individuals who have had an aggregate total of 50 years of experience in the field, Phoenix introduces new innovations to the highly effective therapeutic community program.Psycho-therapy, counseling, spiritual formation, sports and recreational activities, and intensive aftercare and family support programs are incorporated with the 12-step principles of recovery for a holistic program that addresses all the areas that support a dependent’s recovery.
Having worked for other rehabilitation centers in the past, clinical director Fernando David, an experienced professional counselor, characterizes the Phoenix program as safe, non-punitive and highly motivational based on modern scientific treatment methods proven to be very effective in other countries. "Since no two individuals are exactly the same, each treatment plan should be individualized. Each resident is closely supported by the clinical staff that plots his or her road map to recovery," he explains. To ensure the effectiveness of the Phoenix program, the center has a maximum of 30 residents at a time, maintaining a staff-resident ratio of one counselor for every five residents.
In contrast to other programs, the Phoenix program is relatively shorter with six months of in-house treatment and six months of continuing care. However, it provides the much needed after-treatment support system that continues to monitor its clients to ensure success in their sobriety. According to executive vice president for programs and facilities Bernard Termulo, "After having recovered from my own addiction and my ten-year experience in running a therapeutic community, I’ve realized that a good program must have a strong after-program support system that refrains from rejecting those who hit pitfalls in their recovery. The support system must be there precisely when such relapses occur."
Phoenix’s aftercare and family support programs are specifically designed to address this need. Jose Maria Diaz, who is in charge of Phoenix’s external programs explains, "In order for the residents to have a fighting chance in maintaining sobriety once outside the safety of the Ridge, it is critical for them to have a strong aftercare program that walks them through their integration into the mainstream of society. Their families must also go through a parallel program. Not only do families learn how to support their loved ones in recovery, they also learn how to support themselves from the ravages of the drug addiction in the family."
Spirituality is an important element in the Rising Phoenix program. Although essentially non-sectarian, it emphasizes the need to believe in a higher power. Residents are spiritually enriched through unique workshops, seminars and retreats conducted by Frater Flavie Villanueva svd who directs a parallel spiritual formation program. Eduardo Rocha Sr., foundation president, explains: "A highly technical program can only go so far. Without spiritual enlightenment, it’s all head knowledge. Surrendering oneself to a higher power is the essence of true recovery".
In line with their mission to save lives and heal families, the Rising Phoenix Foundation invited the Department of Health to send people interested in learning their program and technology. "Having talked to them about their willingness to share in this endeavor, I was quite surprised by their openness, and that to me is a sign of sincerity on their part," says Nicolas Lutero III, Director IV of the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services of the DOH.
After just a little over a year of streamlining its programs and procedures, the DOH last May granted the Rising Phoenix Foundation its Certificate of Accreditation after fulfilling the requirements set by R.A. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the implementing rules and regulations governing the accreditation of drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers.
Families who are in a desperate state of chaos due to a drug dependent in the family need not fear. "There is hope!" assures foundation president Rocha, Sr. "Come and see us at our office. All inquiries are strictly confidential."