TAGUIG CITY, Aug. 24 (PIA) – The city government of Taguig had come up with a wholistic approach to aid former drug dependents.   

 “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 Mayor Lani Cayetano.   

 The Taguig Anti-Drug Abuse Council (TADAC) has crafted a Drug-Free Community Program which aims to transform drug dependents into productive members of the society and also promote the Anti-Drug Abuse Advocacy of the city.   

 Cayetano noted that after the successful implementation of ‘Oplan Tokhang,’ the city is faced with the dilemma of where to rehabilitate the victims of illegal drug. The local chief pointed that the city’s drug-free program is certainly a welcome development as it will help their effort in driving people out of drug addiction.   

 The drug-free community program is a two-month program that will engage drug dependents in various activities.   The program will involve physical activities to make the participants adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle and naturally detoxify harmful chemicals from their body as they perspire.   

 Seminar and counselling will be provided to enable them to have a constant source of guidance and support from the community.   Likewise, medical check-up and drug testing will be done among rehabilitees to check on their commitment to the rehabilitation program.   

 Lastly, livelihood program is also provided to equip them with training and skills that will promote better chances of recovery.   Mayor Lani said it is the city government’s response to the lack of drug rehabilitation centers in the country.     

 Local government units (LGUs) are mandated by law to assist the national government in enforcing R.A. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.   Mayor Lani, who also chairs the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), expressed optimism on the city’s anti- illegal drugs program. 

 The lady mayor at the same time is appealing to all sectors of the society especially families to love one another and support each other as lonely people are more vulnerable to drug abuse.   

 “These are baby steps in our fight against illegal drugs. We will work hard to make the program a success,” Cayetano stressed. (TAGUIG/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)