Kidapawan City to launch program for recovering drug dependents

KIDAPAWAN CITY —Self-confessed drug pushers and users from 40 villages will converge on July 22 in the city for the launching of "Balik Pangarap," a program for the rehabilitation of drug dependents.

At least 600 people, including minors, who have turned themselves in to local authorities under the intensified anti-drug drive by the new administration are expected to attend the launching, Mayor Joseph Evangelista said Thursday.

Most of the 600 turned themselves in to their barangay chairmen for police profiling and documentation.

“Perhaps they fear for their lives so they decided to surface and admit guilt,” Evangelista added.

Minors among the 600 "drug dependents" were as young as 15 years of age and some were women who are out of school.

Balik Pangarap, Evangelista said, aims to help recovering drug addicts in the rehabilitation process  and prepare them for eventual reintegration in their communities.

Also, the mayor said that the city government will hire psychologists to monitor the behavior and progress of the drug dependents undergoing rehabilitation at home.

“We will examine their drug dependency. If it is okay to have rehabilitation process at home much better. But those who really need to be in accredited drug rehab centers, we will help until they fully recover,” he added.

Moreover, he said he will coordinate with the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education to help in the city program.

TESDA can initiate skills training for future employment, while the ALS  program could assist those who want to pursue their studies, the mayor said. — Williamor A. Magbanua/LBG, GMA News