Drug recovery program for children: Institutionalization pushed

CEBU, Philippines — Mandaue City is set to institutionalize its community-based recovery program for children affected by drug use, following the City Council's approval on first reading of a proposed ordinance on May 19, 2025.

Since 2022, the Mandaue City Substance Abuse and Mental Health Office (SAMSHO), in partnership with the non-government organization Bidlisiw Foundation Inc., has been implementing rehabilitation services for Children Who Use Drugs (CWUDs).

National data from 2023 shows that 41.96% of individuals reported their first experience with drugs between the ages of 15 and 19. In Mandaue City alone, 109 out of 1,106 active clients said they began using drugs before turning 18. Most are out-of-school youth, while others are children in conflict with the law.

SAMSHO head Atty. Ebenezer Daryl “Ben” Manzano explained that the initiative is already in place as part of the city’s broader efforts to create child-focused rehabilitation programs.

Through its partnership with Bidlisiw Foundation, the program includes training and capacity-building for SAMSHO, the City Social Welfare and Services (CSWS), and other stakeholders to ensure cases involving children are handled appropriately.

“Dapat separate man gud and mas sensitive ta sa atoang pag deal with them. We do not deal with them the same way as we deal with adults,” said Manzano.

“We are hoping that through the passage makaingon ta that Mandaue City will be one of the cities who would adapt this human-based approach in handling drugs especially with children,” he added.

Manzano noted that children in the program often use substances such as shabu (methamphetamine), marijuana, and volatile substance like rugby (solvents).

Beyond rehabilitation, the program also offers aftercare services geared toward reintegration, including skills training, capacity-building, and employment assistance.

In a separate interview, Bidlisiw Foundation Executive Director Pamela Uy reported that the program currently boasts a success rate of around 70%, with many children showing significant improvement in their lives post-rehabilitation.

Uy said Mandaue is one of the few cities taking formal legislative steps to provide specialized support for children.

“Kakita sila kung unsa ka importante ang paghatag og specialized interventions for children,” she said.

She explained that their collaborative approach with the city is rooted in the recognition that drug use among children is not simply driven by availability or peer pressure, but is often linked to mental health challenges.

“Nobody would dare to use drugs just for fun alone but it has something to do sa ilaha pod mga gibati deep within nga dapat pod it is also a call for help para sa ilaha,” Uy emphasized.

She reiterated that Bidlisiw views drug use among children not as a criminal issue but as a mental health and community responsibility concern.

The ordinance, introduced by Councilor Oscar Del Castillo, chair of the Committee on Police, Fire, and Penology, proposes the creation of the “Mandaue City Community-Based Recovery Program for Children Whose Lives Include Drugs.”

It frames drug use among children as a public health and mental well-being issue rather than a crime.

The measure draws from national laws such as the 1987 Constitution, the Local Government Code, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and the Mental Health Act. Under the ordinance, the Mandaue City Mental Health Board will lead the implementation of policies related to CWUDs.

“The Government of Mandaue City considers issues relating to treatment and care programs of Children Who Use Drugs (CUDs) as a mental health concern. Thus, the Mental Health Board of the City shall have the power to issue policies and adopt corresponding issuances for the implementation of programs and activities taking into account the best interest of the CWUDs,” states a portion of the ordinance draft.

The ordinance mandates the adoption of child-sensitive protocols from the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and integrates them into Mandaue’s broader mental health initiatives.

The recovery program promotes a child-centered, evidence-based approach that respects the rights and privacy of children. It includes personalized care plans and protects participants from harmful practices. Strip searches, mug shots, and the detention of minors alongside adult offenders are explicitly prohibited. Participation in the program must be voluntary, and all personal information will be handled confidentially.

Accredited NGOs involved in the initiative will receive training support and financial assistance. The ordinance also calls for coordinated efforts among social services, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and civil society groups.

If passed on second and final reading, the ordinance will formalize the city’s partnership with the Bidlisiw Foundation and secure long-term funding through the Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Plan.

The proposed measure is now under review by the Committee on Laws and Ordinances before it returns to the City Council for final approval.  — (FREEMAN)