Ruffy Magbanua
THERE is one local initiative worth a thousand cheers these days. This is all about the putting up a church-led rehab center for drug dependents amid the growing number of casualties in the war on drugs waged by the Duterte administration.
Uptown’s St. Francis Xavier Church (SFXC), ably led by the amiable Msgr. Boy Salvador, will soon open its doors for the establishment of a rehabilitation and training center for drug dependents.
Seen to be the first non-government entity in the country to establish such laudable project, the center will cater to people addicted to drugs who are willing to undergo a 120-day rehab treatment.
With blessings and full backing of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, the project is supported by One CDO, PDP-Laban, PDEA, PNP, DOH, Tesda, President Duterte Group and SFXC parishioners.
About 30 recovery support coaches are now undergoing a five-day training at the old SFXC using a US drug rehab matrix, a model proven effective in the conduct of awareness program for drug dependents.
These drug coaches, their services paid from funds of SFXC will serve as trainers for the initial 100 drug dependents being targeted for the first batch, training period of which shall be done contemporaneously over a period of 120 days at SFXC rehab center.
It will give priority to intervention programs and initiatives for the rehabilitation of citizens who are using drugs to help reform themselves and become useful citizens again.
Anchored on the “help us, help you” campaign slogan, all the drug users need to do are to have the desire to reform to be able to avail themselves of help from this initiative.
Jhoi Tamala, the project’s program coordinator urged those drug dependents to embrace change by living a life away from drugs to be able to reunite with their respective families and friends.
Tamala, a self-confessed former drug addict enjoined all SFXC parishioners to extend help, too. “We need your help to sustain this program,” he said.
Drug dependents need to return to society not just as proactive citizens, but as individuals enthusiastic about life, pursuing their dreams and contributing to nation-building and development.
Absolutely sublime. Cheers.
E-mail: ruffy44_ph2000@yahoo
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