Talisay councilors push for drug dependents’ hotline

THE Talisay City Council passed a resolution that seeks to set up a hotline that will help in the rehabilitation and recovery of drug dependents living in the city.

In a resolution, Talisay City Councilor Gail Restauro said the hotline will not only cater to the city’s drug dependents but also to children and women who require assistance from the City Government.

It will be manned by Gender and Development Office staff.

Restauro said that concerned constituents can call the hotline and be assured of assistance. Callers can remain anonymous and all calls will be confidential.

The resolution was passed during the City Council’s regular session last week.

Restauro said the Local Government Code provides that local government units must provide social welfare services such as programs and projects on child and youth welfare; family and community welfare; women’s welfare, welfare of the elderly and disabled persons; community-based rehabilitation program for vagrants, beggars, street children, scavengers, juvenile delinquents and victims of drug abuse; liveli- hood and other pro-poor projects, among others.

In Talisay City, more than 500 suspected drug personalities surrendered to authorities following the implementation of the national government’s Oplan Tokhang.

Since the start of the Oplan Tokhang in Talisay City, the City Government led by Mayor Eduardo Gullas has offered services to ensure that drug surrenderees will be given a chance to change.

One of these services is a free aftercare program for drug users who want to undergo rehabilitation.