37 former drug users in Calabarzon complete two-month rehab program

ATOTAL of 37 PWUDs, or People Who Use Drugs, have successfully completed the first batch of modified Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP) of the Department of Health (DOH) in Calabarzon as part of government’s efforts to help people with substance use disorders achieve, and maintain, a meaningful and sustained recovery.

DOH Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stressed in his message the importance of forgiveness, acceptance and loving one’s self in order to gain full recovery.

“Napakaimportante na mahalin ninyo at bigyan respeto ang inyong mga sarili, dahil kayo lang ang makapagbibigay ng lakas ng loob upang mabago at makabangon muli, at bigyan ng halaga ang inyong buhay para sa mga taong umaasa sa inyo; kasama na ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay na patuloy na nagmamahal at sumusuporta sa inyo,” he said.

Janairo added: “Ang mahalaga ngayon ay bigyan ninyo ng panahon at harapin ang inyong kinabukasan na puno ng pag-asa at tiwala na kaya ninyong bigyan ng magandang buhay ang inyong mga sarili, at magbigay ng magandang ehemplo sa inyong komunidad at sa mga iba pang mga naliligaw ng landas, mga kakilala at kaibigan, upang sila ay mahikayat na sumama sa programang ito na pinangunguhan ng ating lokal na pamahalaan.”

The CBRP for PWUDs is a holistic wellness program and life coach training focused on improving one’s lifestyle, eliminating unwanted behaviors and become goal-oriented, or forward thinkers through life coaching and actual practice of stress management.

Janairo said the program revolves around the concept of wholeness and applying it in the eight areas of life, including intellectual growth, physical, emotional, spiritual, social, occupational, financial and environmental health.

“It is a two-month program wherein PWUDs must undergo a three-day rehabilitation and life coaching training program, and then seven weekly triad mentoring session for coaching practice and group life coaching sessions,” he explained.

The CBRP was piloted in two areas in Calabarzon, namely, Bacoor City in Cavite with 19 successful PWUDs and Antipolo City in Rizal with 18 graduates. The completion ceremonies were held on December 5 and 6, respectively.

Janairo said that the graduates will continue to have training in skills development that will be conducted by their respective local government units.

“This will provide them the personal development they need which will not only increase the opportunities for livelihood, but will also empower them as an individual,” he further explained.

The modified CBRP for PWUDs was a joint endeavor with the local governments of Bacoor City and Antipolo City.