A total 65, out of 105, individuals who previously surrendered to law enforcement under Oplan:Tokhang recently completed the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) and were recognized during a culmination event at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), yesterday.
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia offered his congratulations in an address to those gathered.
“Eight weeks is not a joke, it is a long time,” he said. “All the more [reason] we congratulate all of you for finishing the program.”
“This should serve as your inspiration that we laud you today for having the courage, determination, and strength of character to finish this 8-week course,” the mayor added.
The reformed drug personalities were also provided with certificates; rice, canned goods, and food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development DSWD; and coffee mugs.
During the program, participants were assigned to a police station, where they were provided a support group, composed of a social worker, a nurse, personnel from the Women and Children’s Protection Desk, and pastors from faith-based organizations.
They were also evaluated by two Assessment Teams composed of psychiatrists, chemists, and nurses.
All graduates of the program are given the option of a livelihood or skills training program.
Also in attendance at the event were City Councilor Ricardo Tan, Em Ang, and Bartolome Orola; Bacolod City Police Office Director, Police Senior Superintendent Jack Wanky; City Health Officer Ma. Carmela Gensoli; Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Negros Island Region (PDEA-NIR) Director Roselyn Borja; among others./WDJ