Community-based rehab program for drug reformists pushed

DAVAO ORIENTAL — Aiming to assist drug reformists in their journey towards rehabilitation and reintegration to the society, the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council Executive Committee (PADAC) is pushing for a new program that will address reformists’ needs directly in the community. The proposed community-based treatment program dubbed as Lihok NLD (Nagkakaisang Mamamayan Laban sa Droga) will pool resources of different offices and agencies that will be delivered directly to the beneficiaries in a one-stop shop.

Provincial Administrator and PADAC Officer Benjie Bulaong said the program is patterned after Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang’s flagship program — Nagakakaisang Lingkod Bayan ng Davao Oriental Barangay Outreach Program, which brings all government services to beneficiaries down to the barangays. He said the program involves a one-stop shop screening and assessment of drug reformists to determine their severity of drug dependence. It also intends to harmonize the efforts of all law enforcement agencies and service providers that can offer services to drug reformists such as livelihood assistance, educational and medical services, skills training, and psychological services, among many others.

While the province aims to have all its barangays cleared from drugs, it is currently looking at clearing a pilot barangay first to serve as a template that can be copied and applied to other barangays. The program will also assist in the drug-clearing processes of barangays, creation of Data Management Profile as well as the conduct monitoring and evaluation activities after the barangays have been cleared. Bulaong said this program has a huge potential of not only helping free drug reformists from the clutches of drug addiction but to end the drug menace altogether through the intensive anti-drug campaign and interventions. (with Karen Lou Deloso)