Rehab center to open before year ends

CEBU, Philippines — The New Life Rehabilitation Center in Pinamungajan is expected to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026, as the Cebu Provincial Government works to put the facility into use nearly seven years after it was turned over.

The rehabilitation center, which was turned over by Globe Telecom to the provincial government in 2019, is being readied to serve people struggling with substance dependence.

Capitol Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan-Vizcayno said preparations have advanced, although the provincial government still has to address several requirements before the facility can become fully operational.

"Hapit na gyud kaayo ta,” Catalan-Vizcayno said, noting that one of the remaining challenges is determining the personnel who will lead and operate the facility.

She said the provincial government is also finalizing staffing, including the number of personnel needed and the type of workforce required for the facility.

For its initial operation, the center will exclusively cater to male patients and will have 25 beds. Catalan-Vizcayno said the provincial government plans to start with a smaller capacity to ensure that the facility can properly manage its operations before expanding.

The facility has also been undergoing physical improvements to meet requirements for a treatment and rehabilitation facility. Catalan-Vizcayno said the perimeter fence, among other areas, needed attention because it was considered too low for the intended use of the facility.

Some portions of the building also require repairs and renovation, including areas where previous construction work was left unattended.

Provincial personnel recently met with the contractor to review the condition of the facility and determine the changes that need to be undertaken.

A pre-construction conference was held on October 6, which gathered personnel from the Provincial Health Office, Provincial Engineering Office, and Dr. Jose Ma. V. Borromeo Memorial Hospital, together with representatives of A.T. Dumlao Construction.

The group discussed improvements needed before the facility operates, including concerns involving its water supply system.

Catalan-Vizcayno said the provincial government is also continuing its coordination with the Department of Health, as the facility still needs to comply with the agency's requirements and secure the necessary approval.

Aside from physical requirements, staffing has also contributed to the lengthy preparation for the facility.

Catalan-Vizcayno said personnel assigned to a treatment facility need to undergo the required certifications and training before they can be deployed.

She said the staffing structure will include medical personnel and other workers required for the operation, including security personnel, although she could not provide the exact number of personnel being prepared for the center.

For now, the provincial government is focusing on male patients and an initial 25-bed capacity as it works to meet the minimum requirements for operation.

The provincial government sees the facility as an additional treatment option amid the need for more rehabilitation services in Cebu. Catalan-Vizcayno said existing Department of Health facilities are not enough to meet the demand.

“So, it's one way, no, kung Gov (Pamela), is really addressing the problem, kay it's existing, dili man na, ah, we're not denying it, it's a, it's a present problem,” she said.

She added that establishing another treatment facility would allow the province to contribute to the rehabilitation of residents struggling with substance dependence.

“DOH has their facilities, but it's lacking. So, karon, where the province is, is preparing its own, and naa sad tay maka-add bitaw in rehabilitating mga drug-dependent citizens,” Catalan-Vizcayno said. — /IHM (FREEMAN)