RIDE CAID FOR A DRUG FREE NATION
The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) – Center Against Illegal Drugs (CAID) launched its Drug Hotline/Referral Helpline (DHRH) Jingle last August 10, 2018, with a motorcade. The jingle was composed by the skilled Mr. Jeremy Sarmiento of Muzic’s Kool, Inc. The lyrics contain encouragement for substance abusers to call DHRH without second thoughts and allow DHRH to journey with their decision to end drug addiction. The lyrics say “Kung nais mo’y tunay na makamit ang pagbabago, nandito lang kami, aalalay sa iyo. Tumawag lang sa 298-7777, huwag ka ng magdalawang isip, pagbabagong ninanais abot na abot na kapatid”. After the motorcade, a short programme was held fronting the CAID office at Padre Zamora Street in Davao City.
CAID Director Roawie Quimba gave the opening remarks which strongly motivated most of the audience to take part in advocacies to help stop drug addiction.
Representatives from Volkswagen Club, Pawsitivity, Mango Radio, St.Peter’s Counselling Home, New Day Recovery Center and Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents joined the event and shared their statements of support. The members of the CAID board were also present like Dr. Melba Manapol, Wilfredo Samante, and Lunar Fayloga. The DHRH, started last March 15, 2017, is the first in the Philippines.
Referral Specialists were trained to answer client calls on drug addiction issues 24/7. They also refer the client to the most proper treatment facility. They maintain privacy and confidentiality.
Today, CAID continues to serve not only those who are substance abusers or drug reformists but families, significant others, and even student callers with homeworks about drug addiction. In fact, CAID already has consistent callers not only coming from Davao City but in other localities from Luzon.
The CAID envisioned to serve not only the Dabawenyos but to widen their reach nationwide. For now, they are beginning to do massive promotion and information dissemination about the DHRH service. Moreover, CAID hopes that the community realizes that the stigma among drug users and abusers will never help them change and recover. Instead of non-discrimination, genuine acceptance will help them achieve recovery!