TESDA braces for drug rehab program

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 6 (PNA) -- The Technical Education Skill Development Authority (TESDA) awaits finalization of guidelines that will include the agency in the aftercare program for self-confessed drug users.

Rosanna Urdaneta, TESDA deputy director general for policies and planning said guidelines are now being drafted both by their agency and officials from the Philippine National Police. It will be released within two weeks.

TESDA will take part in the after care of surrenderers that will undergo rehabilitation. They are tasked to provide skills training to rehabilitated illegal drug users that will help them reintegrate to the community.

"This will redirect their lives and put value in their existence and they will feel good when they realize that they can do something," Urdaneta said.

Edward Chua, president of Asian Development Foundation College, a private higher learning institution committed to support this government program by enlisting surrenderers in their skills training.

As of Sept. 22, there are already 21,699 illegal drug users that yielded to authorities since July when the police intensified the anti-drug war. (PNA)

JMC/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR