The anti-drug campaign in Navotas is gaining headway following the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s declaration that one of its barangays is now drug-free.
Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Barangay Captain Dennis Tan Juan received from PDEA Camanava District Officer Freddie Banagao the certification that Barangay Navotas East has been drug-cleared.
“The fight against illegal drugs is a fight for safe communities. Keeping Navotas safe from the drug menace will help ensure the welfare of our families and the future of our children,” Tiangco said.
The mayor thanked Navoteños for their steadfast support to the city government’s anti-drug campaign.
He said Navotas residents often report illegal activities through Text JRT numbers 0915-2601385 for Globe, 0908-8868578 for Smart, and 0922-8888578 for Sun.
Tiangco also mentioned that the city has a community-based treatment and rehabilitation program called Bidahan for drug users willing to change their ways.
Bidahan participants initially undergo a three-day retreat where they learn about the effects of drugs in their body and ways to avoid getting hooked into substance abuse. They then engage in a twice a week counseling sessions for six months.
Bidas, as the participants are called, undergo random drug testing to check their faithfulness to the program.
Last Monday, nine former drug users have graduated from Bidahan. A new batch of Bidas will start their retreat this Friday.
Since it started in October 2016, the Bidahan now has 12 batches composed of 313 participants. Of this, 73 have completed the six-month program.