LGUs get training on drug rehabilitation

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office conducted a three-day workshop on community-based rehabilitation program to some local government units last week to address the need for rehabilitation of the drug surrenderers.

The workshop was attended by the mayors, chiefs of police, municipal health officers, daycare workers, representatives from religious sectors, and focal persons from anti-drug abuse councils of Minglanilla, San Fernando, Sibonga, Talisay City, Naga City and Carcar City.

CPADAO head Ivy Durano-Meca said that so far only the city of Bogo and San Remigio town have established a community-based rehabilitation program.

“We see the necessity nga aside from giving them orientation to the local government units, they need to be guided also on how to start the community-based treatment program,” Meca said.

She said the workshops focused on the treatment program down to the barangay level, equipping them with the technical knowledge and helping in formulating their own strategies and interventions.

Meca said they divided all the local government units into seven clusters for the training. The next workshop is scheduled next week starting on Tuesday for LGUs from the second district.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Provincial Board has urged the local government units, especially the barangays, to operationalize, strengthen and revitalize their respective Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

In a resolution authored by Board Member Raul Bacaltos, the board sees the need for active participation of the LGUs in combating the illegal drugs in the province.

“Strengthening of Anti - Drug Abuse Councils is deemed essential to safeguard the communities by implementing anti-drug abuse programs and projects in their respective areas of responsibility,” the resolution reads. (FREEMAN)