A total of 45 former drug users in two cities in Negros Occidental have completed the 90-day Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) hosted by their respective local government units.
On Wednesday, 18 persons who used drugs (PWUD) from various barangays in Bago City in the south finished the PagBAG-O Wellness Program (PWP).
In the north, 27 participants from barangays Codcod and Quezon in San Carlos City graduated from the program dubbed Kinabuhi Angay Ampingan Bag-Uhon Alang sa Ginoo (KAABAG) on February 28.
Col. Romeo Baleros, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said on Thursday the conduct of the CBDRP is part of the demand reduction campaign against illegal drugs.
“While we run after the drug syndicates and pushers, we are also helping the users eliminate drugs in their lives,” Baleros said.
He acknowledged the partner-agencies of the Philippine National Police in working for the success of the program.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been implementing the CBDRP to put off the overcrowding of patients in large drug treatment centers.
The CBDRP is intended for those who are suffering from drug use and drug abuse, both of which are considered as low and mild substance use, not for those who are diagnosed as drug dependents.
The program is being implemented as a collaboration among the LGUs, local health offices, social welfare development offices, and police units. (Nanette Guadalquiver ndb via pna)