100 drug surrenderees complete rehab program in Las Piñas

MANILA, Philippines - At least 100 drug surrenderees graduated recently from a 12-week training program sponsored by the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG).

Sen. Cynthia Villar expressed hope that the graduates could lead a productive life after completing the community-based drug rehabilitation program, dubbed “Sagip Bukas,” held at the Villar Farm School in Las Piñas City.

“As drug surrenderees transition from addiction to recovery, we are hoping this training program will help them move forward to a productive life and not go back to their old ways,” Villar, who heads the Senate committee on agriculture, said.

The event coincided with the Harvest festival. The drug surrenderees harvested vegetables they planted.

“They can bring home to their families their harvest,” Villar said.

The graduates, who are part of the second batch of drug surrenderees, came from different barangays in the city. 

The participants had surrendered to the Las Piñas police under Oplan Tokhang.

 Prior to the training, the participants participated in a zumba session to pump up their energy. They underwent training on urban agriculture that aims to provide them with alternative livelihood to ensure food for their families.

The training provided by personnel of the Las Piñas General Hospital focused on prevention of diseases and health promotion not only for the participants but also for their family members, as well as first aid and basic life support.

 There were also discussions on values formation, spiritual healing and restoration led by the faith-based organization Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life (CFC-FFL).

 The participants were taught the importance of environment conservation and protection through coastal cleanup activities.

 The drug rehabilitation program was conducted in partnership with Allied Botanical Corp.; Las Piñas police; Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Health, Interior and Local Government, and Agriculture; Office of the Las Piñas City Mayor; city health office; Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, and CFC-FFL.