More drug users to undergo community-based rehab program

AROUND 60 persons with substance use disorder (PSUDs) in Baguio City are scheduled to undergo community-based drug rehabilitation modular sessions for the second quarter of this year conducted by the city social welfare development office (CSWDO) under the local government’s Integrated Participatory Community Building Program (IPCB).

Social welfare officer IV Liza Bulayongan said the sessions will start on May 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the CSWDO and every Thursday, thereafter, and will include lectures on family, faith, effects of illegal drugs and more.

Bulayongan added resource persons will come from the CSWDO, Health Services Office, Baguio City Police Office, nongovernment organizations and other faithbased communities.

The CSWDO earlier revealed 368 PSUDs completed their sessions as of February of this year while 126 were turned-over to the Family Life Resource Centers (FLRCs) for Phase II of rehabilitation.

Majority of the PSUDs who finished their rehab program under the IPCB are selfemployed if not regularly employed prior to surrender where 55 availed of the city’s self-employment assistance.

CSWDO head Betty Fangasan said PSUDs are active in church services and other social action activities and have become active co-facilitators in the FLRCs and involved in the city’s advocacy on drug prevention in barangays and schools.

Fangasan added minor PSUDs continue

their schooling while out of school youths are involved in youth activities conducted by her office and the barangays.

PSUDs also attend maintenance sessions conducted by the Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Serenity in the Steps.

Fangasan assured that PSUDs are continuously assisted by the CSWDO, FLRCs and barangays for appropriate services needed. Gaby Keith