SKP 2: Church’s version of saving lives intensified

War on drugs, a famous platform of the Duterte administration brought many opinions both positive and negative. However, the local church of Davao being faithful to its duty, has its own version of war on drugs— through saving lives.

Sagop Kinabuhi Program 2 (SKP 2), an initiative that started last Oct. 7, 2016, spearheaded by Archdiocesan Social Action Center of Davao (ASAC), the social services arm of the Archdiocese of Davao together with its stakeholders and partner agencies, continue to journey in helping the drug users rebuild their lives and start anew.

Indeed, a set of Voluntary Submission for Reformation (VSRs) persons from Talomo District have finished the program’s Phase 1. According to Dennis Mabayao, SKP 2 coordinator, “they are ready for the second phase.” Phase 1 is the 17-week extensive psycho-spiritual seminars, recollections and trainings. VSRs were monitored during this phase.

On September 3, another sets of VSRs will move up. This will be the 17th week of the SKP 2 at San Antonio de Padua Parish, Agdao. The activity is set to be held at the Assumption College of Davao, on this last day of Phase 1. After the mass at 8 am at the San Antonio Parish, Agdao, all will go to the said school for the Family Fun Day, just like what happened at University of Southeastern Philippines (Obrero Campus), Davao City last July 15, 2017.

Termed as “Moving Up,” these VSRs are expected to move on with their lives and proceed to Phase 2. Phase 2 is the skills training, where the Archdiocesan Social Action Center (ASAC) along with the stakeholders will team up with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Mabayao added that SKP Phase 1 is conducted that serves as the “integration program of the church, a prevention program in order for them to stop the use of drugs.” He and the other partner agencies want that the VSRs will feel that they belong to a family and will be accepted again by the society.

Although it is not the end, but just the beginning of a long journey ahead, ASAC together with the people who support this program are very excited that many parishes will soon introduce this as well. Thus, on August 27, 2017 at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, these group will be journeying once more with the new sets of VSRs who want to renew their lives.