Improvement seen among drug dependents in Leyte under rehab

BAYBAY CITY, Leyte, Jan. 2 (PNA) -- The city government here has seen the improvement of drug dependents after their enrollment in the locally-initiated rehabilitation program.

Mayor Carmen Cari said she is proud of their therapeutic day time program for the patients who enrolled after they were diagnosed as “high risk” to drug use. The program started last month.

“I saw a big improvement not only in their physical appearance, but their attitude as well,” Cari said.

Since July this year, more than 2,000 drug users, peddlers and pushers in this city yielded to authorities.

Cari said that about 200 of them were categorized as high risk and qualified to join the program, however, only 21 patients are now currently enrolled.

“Prior to the program, I was even scared to look at the faces of surrenderers. I noticed the patients are now well-groomed, in great shape, and healthy looking.

The program, according to Cari, will last for six months and with the success of the program, she is confident to continue the program enlisting more batches of patients.

Under the program, patients are encouraged to read the Holy Bible, have sharing of experiences, physical exercise, eat healthy foods, and have a clean and healthy life. 

The city government provided for the venue of the program -- the city’s new library building.

The government also provides free transportation of patients on top of weekly provision of 10 kilograms of rice for each of their families.

The move, according to Cari, is to encourage family members to support the rehabilitation program. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR