The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling all local government units (LGUs) in the country to actively participate in the government’s unified campaign against illegal drugs dubbed as Rehabinasyon.
Rehabinasyon aims to take a wholistic approach in making sure that the country’s drug problem will be eliminated using the full extent of the law, and at the same time putting importance on the rehabilitation of drug surrenderers.
DILG Officer-In-Charge Catalino S. Cuy said the DILG has committed to mobilize all LGUs, including the barangays, in the Rehabinasyon campaign whose role is critical in the fight against illegal drugs.
Under the Local Government Code, barangays are mandated to adopt measures towards the prevention and eradication of drug abuse in their locality.
“For the Rehabinasyon to be effective, it has be complemented by the LGUs,” he said.
The Rehabinasyon campaign was recently launched by the Inter-agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) where the DILG is a member and the DILG Secretary is chair of the advocacy cluster composed of 17 agencies.
Aside from the law enforcement programs like Oplan Tokhang and Double Barrel, Cuy said the rehabilitation and treatment of drug dependents as well as public awareness are equally important.
“Earlier in this administration, everyone was overwhelmed by the number of surrenderers and a big part of that number are users who do not require confinement in rehabilitation centers but instead in community-based rehabilitation where LGUs will be engaged and actively take part,” he said.
He said in the community-based rehab system, individuals who are not heavily dependent on drugs can report to the LGU from time to time. They can go back to their homes or report to their employer if they are working provided they complete the program and promise to be clean.
The community-based rehab for drug surrenders also includes livelihood training, food for work program, agri-based program, sports and spiritual enhancement and re-integration programs, among others.
ICAD was created through EO No. 15 and is under the supervision of the Office of the President. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency serves as the Committee’s chair. | ### DILG
