Talisay calls drug quitters to enroll in rehab facility

CEBU, Philippines - The head of the Talisay After Care and Out-Patient Program is urging the city’s drug dependents from the different barangays who are willing to quit drugs to visit their facility.

Dr. Rey Cesar Bautista is also asking Talisay city residents to introduce their program to a drug dependent who wanted some help but doesn’t know where to go.

At present, the city has around 50 patients who are willing to take sessions and are willing to be cured.

The aftercare and outpatient program aims to provide shelter for people who quits from drugs.

They would offer appropriate services like counseling and a free drug test twice a week.  Drug tests are conducted on Mondays and Thursdays to monitor the activity of the patients.

Bautista recalled that their program started in 2013 with only one drug addict to attend to.  With the vigorous campaign against illegal drugs, it ballooned to 50.

He said that those who availed of their services include patients who came from the government’s rehabilitation center in Argao, private individuals who walked in, those who tested positive in drugs in different companies, and those who surrendered in the country’s “Oplan Tokhang” program.

Bautista said that clients should also have their own drive and willingness to be cured.

“Ang among definition sa surrenderee kay kanang adik nga moduol namo moingon nga Doc gusto na ko moundang, tabangi ko. We don’t force people to join the program.  Ang amo lang, we consider it our moral obligation nga kung naay adik nga gusto moundang nga walay ika afford pagpa-rehab, matabangan,” he stressed.

He assured that the city will continue to produce reformed people who are willing to change for the better.

Those who need help can call them on 4914731. (FREEMAN)