388 finish drug rehab program in Dagupan

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines — At least 388 former drug surrenderers graduated on Sept. 7 from the Sagip User Rehabilitation and Empowerment (SURE) program of the local government here.

The group formed the last batch of SURE graduates, bringing the total to 729 since the program started in 2016, a report from the City Information Office said.

The first and second batches were composed of 101 and 240, respectively.

SURE was launched by the city government to provide free moral and spiritual formation for drug users undergoing rehabilitation. It was conducted with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

City Health Office personnel provided lectures on illegal drugs and their ill-effects, internal and external triggers and how to cope with addiction, while religious groups gave spiritual activities and discussions.

Members of the PNP gave motivational lectures and discouraged the participants from using illegal drugs.

SURE participants were required to attend four sessions in four weeks to complete the program.

During the graduation rites held at the PNP Dagupan Station, Superintendent Jandale Sulit, city police chief, urged the SURE graduates to use the program as an opportunity to start their lives anew.

“You should think about your families and the direction of your lives. There will be more opportunities for you to have decent jobs as the city is continuously thriving,” Sulit said.

Sulit also asked them to help the local government, adding that he wants them to be the PNP’s partners in maintaining peace and order in the city.