1st Drug Rehab Center to Rise

DAVAO ORIENTAL — A new initiative to help treat drug reformists and to cut the cycle of drug addiction has started to materialize here as the Provincial Government and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) held a ground breaking on the province’s first Drug Rehabilitation Center.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang led the facility’s historic groundbreaking ceremony last month at the Provincial Government Compound in Sitio Magay, Barangay Don Martin Marundan in the City of Mati. Based on the initial plan, the facility which is set to be completed within 40 days consists of two one-storey buildings, separating male residents from the females.

Provincial Consultant Cynthia Rodriguez, who represented the Filipino-Chinese group of businessmen, said she believes that the anti-drug efforts of the province will become a success because of its proactive role in forging partnerships with other institutions that have programs and resources that can contribute to achieve its goals in eradicating the drug menace here. “Hopefully this facility will significantly help the drug reformists redirect their lives,” said Rodriguez who also happens to be the Provincial Government’s bridge to the Filipino-Chinese group, making it possible for the province to tap the group’s financial support.

Governor Dayanghirang expressed his gratitude to the Filipino-Chinese businessmen headed by its President Eduardo Bangayan for their support in the province’s thrust to fight the drug menace.

“It is our duty to uplift the welfare of the people that is why we prioritize the rehabilitation of the drug users through the construction of this residential treatment and rehabilitation facility,” said Gov. Dayanghirang, stressing that with the huge number of drug reformists who have surrendered, the province has every reason to put up a rehabilitation center.

Meantime, the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council identified the facility’s highlight services which include medical, psycho-social, educational and economic programs to drug reformists, among many others. The presence of the 701st Brigade military camp nearby makes the facility more secure from threats. (Sr. Marietta Alo, OND | Karen Lou Deloso)