ANGELES CITY, Pampanga – Eighty-seven former drug users have completed their reformation program at the Balay Silangan Reformation Center in this city.
Ricky Saul, head of the Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ACADAC), said on Friday the “graduates” underwent a 30-day rehabilitation program which included the provision of proper guidance and counseling, education about drug addiction, health and wellness through physical activities, skills training, and various community service activities.
“We at the local government are doing our best to give people who fell into drug abuse a chance of changing their lives with our program,” he said in a radio interview.
Likewise, he said they were provided with a 15-day post-treatment service after the 30-day reformation cycle, which included support groups, seminars, and other activities such as counseling, lectures, outreach programs, tree-planting, and family intervention.
After the completion of the program, Saul said they also provided support to the reformists in terms of livelihood and job opportunities.
He cited the importance of giving a second chance to drug surrenderers and reintegrating them with their respective families and communities.
He said the ACADAC, the Angeles City government, under the leadership of Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr., and the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) have been working hand-in-hand to protect Angeleños, especially the youth, from drugs.
The city government has strengthened measures to ensure that the city will be drug-cleared, he added.
Among these are the mandatory drug testing of all public transport drivers and the conduct of surprise drug testing for all city employees. (PNA)