Drug rehab facility in Davao ready by May
THE 300-BED drug rehabilitation facility located in Barangay Malagos, Davao City is targeted to be operational by May this year, according to Health Undersecretary Roger P. Tong-An. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Mr. Tong-An said the facility will cater to those from the entire Davao Region who will be screened as “severe.” The Department of Health, which will run the center, is now preparing for the needed manpower. Mr. Tong-An said the Malagos rehab center is part of a grant covering 10 facilities around the country, including two others in Mindanao -- in General Santos City, and Bukidnon. Drug users who voluntarily surrender and are screened as “mild” or “moderate” will be treated and managed through the smaller community-based centers. Mr. Tong-An said in between the community-based and the “severe” rehab center, they will also be piloting recovery clinics or halfway houses wherein drug dependents will be given livelihood training programs. Dangerous Drugs Board Chair Catalino S. Cuy said, “Re-integraton and rehabilitation should go together. In rehabilitation they are being prepared for their re-integration into society.” —