Drug reformists receive Cash-for-Work pay

Davao Oriental – Drug reformists who chose to turn-over a new leaf have received payment for their rendered community service through the government’s Cash-for-Work Program.  Funded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, 207 drug reformists from all over the province, who are the initial beneficiaries under the program, received P 2,380.00 each during the cash distribution on February 14 and 15. The distributed cash is payment for their rendered ten-day community service by cleaning streets and highways, among other community works.

Art Benjie Bulaong, Provincial Administrator and Anti-Drug Abuse Council Action Officer, who represented Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang during the cash distribution, said that this intervention is just one of the programs being lined-up by the government for drug reformists to help them start over with their new lives. Bulaong thanked the drug reformists for their cooperation, saying the provincial government is fully committed to support the flagship anti-illegal drugs program of the national government. He lauded them for their bravery for coming out in the open and for seeking help from the government.

With drug problem now being considered as an emerging social issue affecting millions nationwide, the local government in partnership with the national government is implementing programs to help drug reformists lead a new life while at the same time curbing the demand for illegal drugs. For the government, drug reformists are simply victims of drug traffickers who exploit the weakness of vulnerable individuals. Bulaong enticed the drug reformists to urge those whom they know that are still hooked on illegal drugs to surrender to the authorities and get help. (with PIO)