Since Taguig does not have enough drug rehabilitation centers to treat the hundreds of drug addicts who responded to the Duterte administration’s Oplan Tokhang, it came up with an alternative solution—a wholistic approach that may help the national government in the implementation of its vigorous anti-illegal drugs campaign.
The Taguig Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Tadac) carried out a Drug-Free Community Program that aims to transform drug dependents into productive members of the society.
The two-month program engages drug dependents in physical activities to train the participants in a healthy lifestyle and naturally detoxify harmful chemicals from their body as they perspire.
The participants are given seminars and counseling to assure them of the guidance and support from the community.
A medical checkup and drug testing are administered to reinforce their commitment to the rehabilitation program.
And to prepare them to return to the community, a livelihood program equips them with marketable skills while awaiting recovery.
“The current drug situation has reached alarming proportions and the national government needs the help of local government units to eradicate the drug epidemic,” said Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano.
She said this is Taguig’s response to the lack of drug rehabilitation centers in the country.
Local government units are mandated by law to assist the national government in enforcing RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Cayetano, who also chairs the League of Cities of the Philippines, appealed to all sectors of society, especially families, to show their love to one another and support each other because lonely people are more vulnerable to drug abuse.
“Studies indicate that loneliness has a connection to drug addiction. That is why we need the love and support of our loved ones to protect the members of the family from drug addiction. Our program will rehabilitate not only the body but also the mind poisoned by the illegal substance,” the lady mayor added.
“These are baby steps in our fight against illegal drugs. We will work hard to make the program a success,” Cayetano said.
Records from Taguig City Police station show that during the implementation of Oplan Tokhang, 483 drug dependents in the city have surrendered and joined its programs.