Is It Illegal To Use Drugs

PDEA-seven implements priority programs to salve drug victims, surrenderees

Softer approach on the state's war on drugs

By: Wenilyn B. Sabalo - Multimedia Reporter - CDN Digital | September thirty,2022 - 07:39 AM

The first Balay Silangan in Key Visayas located in Barangay Guinsay, Danao City, Cebu, officially opened last September 10, 2019.| Photograph courtesy of PDEA 7

CEBU Metropolis, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) is pushing for a two-pronged entrada to combat the effect of illegal drug use and selling in the region.

In addition to focusing on its supply reduction campaign past means of drug raids and arrests, PDEA-7 is also intensifying its demand-reduction initiatives, and providing second chance for victims of illegal drugs.

The agency, in coordination with various local government units (LGUs) in the region, implemented two priority programs to provide options for drug users and pushers who have turned themselves to authorities.

According to PDEA-7 data officer Leia Alcantara, the organisation is currently concentrating on the "Balay Silangan" plan and the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Plan (CBDRP).

"Ang pedagogy sa PDEA sa atong enforcement units is to proceed on the supply reduction, but also as i-intensify nato ang rehabilitation side. It's truthful nga wala'y mugamit kung walay mamaligya, just mas bug-at ang truth sa kung muingon ta nga wala'y mamaligya kung wala'y mugamit, because drugs is a business organization," she said.

Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program

Alcantara claimed that a 'significant' number of surrenderees who voluntarily enrolled in the LGU-based CBDRP took advantage of the 2nd chance to be reintegrated into society as they completed the rehabilitation program.

Around 95 pct of drug users who surrendered, she said, are undergoing barangay-level intervention. Bulk of them have successfully overcome the addiction, she added.

"Daghan kaayo ta og completers sa CBDRP; this is our LGU-based intervention for persons who use drugs, katong makaya pa sa barangay, in-terms of level of habit," she said.

"Naay mga tarong na nga trabaho, naka reconnect sa ilang mga families. Kana lang daan is dako na kaayo nga indication that our CBDRP is effective," she added.

She did, however, point out that although they are continuously monitored, some people do withal relapse following the treatment program.

Balay Silangan program

The agency is also facilitating a three-month "Balay Silangan" program. It focuses on the reformation of modest-time illegal drug offenders who take no history of drug use and have voluntarily surrendered, entered into a plea deal, or accept served jail time and been released from prison already.

According to PDEA, the facility is designed to reform offenders into "productive and law-abiding members of the community."

"Sulod sa Balay Silangan, naa sila'y mga sessions ngadto to address their attitude towards money, and developing livelihood skills. Ang intention g'yod nato is inig balik nila sa community, naa sila'y trabaho and pangita nga dili connected sa illegal drugs," Alcantara said.

"Instead nga isulod nato sila sa prisohan nga nag punsisok na didto, tagaan nato sila og lain alternative once qualified lang," she added.

The operation of a Balay Silangan facility is sustained through the combined efforts of LGUs and diverse concerned agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Evolution, TESDA, and Department of Trade and Industry, in add-on to law enforcement agencies.

The first Balay Silangan facility in Central Visayas formally opened in September 2019. It is located in Barangay Guinsay, in Danao City, Cebu.

Currently, there are xiv Balay Silangan facilities in operation throughout Primal Visayas.

Eight other LGUs, Alcantara said, as well recently launched the program in their localities, only are still working on the structure of their facility.

/bmjo

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