165 complete drug-rehab program in Benguet town

BUGUIAS, Benguet – One hundred sixty five self-confessed users if illegal drugs recently completed a 10-month community based drug rehabilitation program of the local government.

Municipal Health Officer Dr. Hilda Kimakim said that twice a week for six months, the enrollees reported and underwent a psychological, psychiatric assessment.

They likewise took part in group works, team building activities and reflections, that made them realize the importance of not engaging in illegal drugs.

“As of most them were drivers who transport vegetables, they asked for additional skills like heavy equipment operation, welding and painting in addition to their driving skills,” Kimakim said.

Also included in the program were the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), for a wholistic rehabilitation and change of lifestyle of the surrenderers.

There were 385 initial enrollees in February 2017 when they started the “Prodigal son” symposium.

There were, however, drop-outs, mostly migrant workers who left the area.

Kimakim said the program involves a community based drug rehabilitation program pattered after the Ifugao Reflection Camp (IRC).

Buguias had 585 surrenderers at the start of the term of President Duterte and the others who were unable to finish the program and were not able to join the graduation are still required to complete them.

“Hopefully they enroll for the second batch. The youngest graduates are three brothers aged 14, 15 and 17. They were enticed to take shabu after they were told that they will have more energy tilling the soil and tending to their family’s vegetable farm,” the doctor added.

Mayor Ruben Tindaan said the GILAS-Buguias, an acronym comprised of Kankanaey words meaning a group of sons of Buguias who supportsthe town’s progress was formed in 2016 after President Duterte urged those involvled in illegal drugs to surrender and avail of the services of the government.

Buguias, with a population of a 49,000, is the center of development in northern Benguet being the primary source of most highland vegetables for the country had been receiving migrant workers, not only those who are in the agriculture industry but also those in the entertainment business.