87 drug users graduate rehab in Davao de Oro
DAVAO CITY—DAVAO de Oro province graduated a total of 87 drug offenders in two batches of reformatory and rehabilitation program in the second semester.
The latest batch of 29 persons received last December 28 their certificate of completion and for livelihood skill.
These 29 were among some 62 former illegal drug offenders; 33 dropped out, “some were arrested, tested positive for illegal drugs, or passed away as a result of accidents, shootings, and other tragedies,” the provincial information office said.
Their certificate of completion would prove “that they have changed and no longer use illegal drugs,” Governor Dorothy Montejo-gonzaga said in a statement read for her by Executive Assistant III Nick Consencino.
The provincial governor said the reformed drug offenders should acknowledge “the significance of continuing to abstain and stay away from illegal drugs and setting an example for those people who are still in the situation to also reintegrate into the society.”
Davao de Oro Assistant Provincial Health Officer Dr. Mary Cyril G. Pasaol urged the reformed drug offenders “to avoid the people contributing to the triggers for them to go back to the dangerous deeds.” Pasaol said government “is always willing to help in improving their quality of life.”
The information office said one Alyas Karen spoke of her experience and expressed gratitude “for the support provided to change their outlook on life, enabling them to return to the folds of the community and no longer use illegal drugs.”
Aside from the certificate of completion, the 29 former drug offenders each received a Tesda certificate on mushroom-making as well as 25 kilos of rice assistance and an emergency kit.
Earlier, 58 others graduated their rehabilitation program that started in July. They belonged to the first batch of 60, of which two dropped out.
The province began their rehabilitation program for drug users and peddlers on December 19, 2019.
The rehabilitation program is a 6-month community-based treatment for plea bargaining cases and the program includes rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration, through structured activities and sessions including psychosocial interventions, restoring family relationships, spiritual guidance and counseling, the information office added.