Shimura pushes for a drug-free Daanbantayan

CEBU, Philippines — The administration of Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Sun Shimura is working on making the town, which is located 120 kilometers north of Cebu City, drug-free.

“20 out of 20 (barangays). We will be working hard for us to be declared as a drug-free municipality,” he said.

The mayor was referring to a total of 391 drug surrenderers who have completed the Community-Based Treatment (CBT) program. They are from the town’s 20 barangays.

Of the 391 drug surrenderers, 253 recently finished the program.

The second batch of CBT completers were given certificates during the second completion of CBT Program and launching of Community Support Aftercare and Reintegration Program yesterday.

The completers were former drug surrenderers who successfully completed the rehabilitation program under the Department of Health's Matrix Intensive Outpatient Program (MIOP).

They underwent four months or equivalent to 16 sessions of counseling that involved psycho-social and spiritual; passed three random drug tests; and actively participated in alternative activities, such as zumba, basketball, tree-planting, and clean-up drive.

The completers who hail from different barangays were presented by Dr. Merle Visda of the Municipal Health Office and confirmed by DOH Operations Management Officer Gretchen Castero.

Moreover, the local government launched the Community Support Aftercare and Reintegration Program.

The program offers services to help recovering drug- dependents to adapt to everyday community life, after completing earlier phases of treatment and rehabilitation. It also provides an opportunity to address important issues and problems associated with abstinence and recovery.

The launching was attended by all CBT completers, including the first batch of 198 drug surrenderers, who were given certificates of recognition on December 12, 2018. — KQD (FREEMAN)