Church, Brgy Kamputhaw launch community-based rehab program

The anti-drug unit of Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City yesterday launched its communitybased recovery program for drug dependents who earlier surrendered to police authorities.

The initiative is in close coordination with the local parish community and the private college administration, with support from various government offices.

Kamputhaw Barangay Chairman Trifonio Lequigan, Jr., the chairperson of the barangay's anti-drug abuse council, said there is strength in working together than working apart.

The barangay has coordinated with several agencies and sectors to ensure the sustainability of the program.

It has collaborated with the religious sector through the Our Lady of Sacred Heart Parish and the academe through St. Theresa's College.

Other agencies also signified support like the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Cebu City; Department of Health-7; Cebu City Police Office; and Cebu City Office on Substance Abuse, among others.

Lequigan said though the launching was just held yesterday at the parish church, the program has already started early this year with 47 participants in its first batch.

He said the program is patterned after the barangay-based initiative dubbed as "Labang" (or Lahat Bangon) that has been recognized by the Cebu Archdiocesan Program for Drug Dependents.

He said he convened the barangay council to discuss and look for solutions on the influx of surrendering drug users in the barangay until they thought of adopting the program.

While it is now ongoing, he said the barangay continues to monitor the progress of the participants.

He said the program is more effective than the controversial shame campaign earlier reported in Lapu-Lapu City since it assists participants to renew their lives rather than put them in shame.

Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo, team moderator of the Our Lady of Sacred Heart Parish, said the program offers a more effective approach by helping participants restore their lives amid the killings happening in the country.

He said there is a need for all stakeholders in the community to support each other in assisting people overcome their drug dependence.