169 SDUs IN CATAINGAN GRADUATE FROM CBRP

The Local Government Unit of Cataingan once again implemented its Community-based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP) dubbed as Project EMBRACE which stands for “Enriched Mind and Body|Renewed Attitude|Cared by Everyone”. It is the LGU’s response to support the national government’s fight against illegal drugs.

Local PNP data showed that Cataingan has 28 drug-affected barangays which yielded a total of 496 surrendered drug users (SDUs) during the height of the PNP’s Oplan Tokhang.

Project EMBRACE, as conceptualized by the Core Team of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC), is a series or a combination of general interventions for low risk drug users. It is aimed at providing a holistic program for drug victims who are interested and are willing to change. In the last quarter of 2017, fifty-one SDUs had completed the designed modules and graduated from the project during its first run.

On February 27, 2018, a total of one hundred sixty nine (169) drug users successfully completed the general intervention modules which were conducted for a total of 3 days. The first day, February 19, 2018, was for the re-assessment of SDUs and drug-testing. A general Orientation on the CBRP was also done on the same day. The other two days, February 26-27, 2018, were focused on lectures, group dynamics, counselling, spiritual upliftment, physical activities, and community service (tree planting activity) facilitated and participated in by the MADAC, MADAC Core Team (which is composed of the DILG, PNP, MSWDO and RHU) and some community volunteers.

 

A simple graduation ceremony attended by the MADAC Core Team and the MADAC Chairperson/Municipal Mayor Atty. Felipe L. Cabataña was conducted in the afternoon of the last day where each SDU was given a Certificate of Completion as proof that they have successfully completed the rehabilitation program. Some of the SDUs also showcased their talents while some made life-changing testimonies. Special awards and recognitions were likewise given to deserving participants. One of the highlights of the activity was the ceremonial burning of their commitments written on pieces of paper.

 

These graduates will be subjected to after-care services such as provision of livelihood skills training and livelihood assistance, cash-for-work program and work referral to bolster the effort in reintegrating them to the community while under continued monitoring and evaluation by the MADAC Core Team. – LGOO VI Summer Hope B. Aycardo