ILOILO CITY — The city government here is eyeing a program that will focus on children to shield them from illegal drugs and prevent drug addiction.
Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa on Wednesday said that he wanted children to say “Touch Me Not” as part of the city government’s “Say No to Drugs” campaign.
He instructed his office to come up with anti-drug materials with “Touch Me Not” messages to be given to children.
His office will also spearhead the conduct of seminars for the target group.
Last week, the mayor visited the city government-run “Dalayunan” Home for the Boys and at the Crisis Intervention Unit of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Dalayunan was established to “rehabilitate children in conflict with the law with serious offenses”.
At the center, they are provided with skills training, values formation, religious activities, and livelihood training, among others.
Of the 32 residents, from 15 to 19 years old, 13 are facing cases for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Others are carnapping, theft and robbery.
“They have filed cases in court. While their cases continue, they are being rehabilitated inside the center so that when they get out should they be acquitted, they can go back to their communities, to their families and live normal lives,” said center head Elizabeth G. Sevilla.
Meanwhile, the Crisis Intervention Unit serves abused, abandoned and neglected children, and even those who are begging on the streets. It is also for young girls with filed cases in court.
Espinosa, in meeting with the children, urged them not to lose hope. He said there is always a chance to reform as long as they live. What is important he said is that they have the will to change.
“Never mind what happened in the past; erase it because no matter what we do we can never turn back time. What is important is for us to think of the future,” he said.
Last year, around 40 percent of the more than 3,000 drug surrenderers in the city were from the youth sector. ( Perla Lena/PNA)
