Drug rehab construction in Bohol put on hold

CEBU, Philippines - Authorities from the health department disclosed that the establishment of a huge treatment and rehabilitation center (TRC) in Carmen, Bohol was suspended and might be transferred to another site.

In an interview with the local media, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial admitted that they met problems with the original project site due to the absence of a water source and supply.

“I think nagka-problema doon sa Camp Sikatuna which was the military camp na area because of the water supply, walang tubig,” Ubial said.

Earlier this year, Malacañang announced that another large-scale TRC will be constructed inside a military camp in Carmen, Bohol.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella had said in a news briefing that the Department of Health (DOH) had already signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Archiglobal Inc. on January 4, 2017 for the construction of the next mega-TRC.

After forging an agreement with the Cebu-based architectural firm, there was supposed to be a ground breaking to start off the construction but was postponed, Ubial said.

“I think there is a good chance that the rehabilitation center will be relocated,” she added.

Ubial said the Bohol Provincial Government is still looking for a property where the center can be suitably located.

One of the sites identified is a government-owned lot in Cortes town, still in Bohol.

“Once we have identified the area or land, I think it (the structure) can be accomplished within the year,” said Ubial, noting that funds for the construction will be shouldered by Chinese donors.

Dr. Dino Caing of DOH-7 said in a separate interview that the budget and the building plan are already in place.

“DOH is still waiting for the land with a deed of sale from the Province of Bohol.  So, the rehabilitation and treatment center in Carmen town, Bohol is put on hold for now,” he said.

The Bohol facility is expected to be the second mega-TRC under the present administration, next to the center built inside Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija that has a 10,000-bed capacity. (FREEMAN)