LUCBAN, Quezon – A total of 85 former drug dependents completed their 6-month reformation course at the Pagbabago at Pag-asa Reformation Camp (PPRC) and received their Moving Up Certificate on Wednesday at PPRC in Barangay Palola of this town.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Anton Hernandez was elated of Lucban Mayor Celso Olivier Dator for taking the challenge of helping the drug surrenderers to achieve their reformation and make them productive members of the community again.
“I don’t call this rehabilitation. Instead I call it “rehabinasyon” because you campers are important for the rehabilitation of the whole nation,” said Hernandez.
He recounted his’ and Dator’s earlier talk when this project was only a dream of the mayor, but now a concrete reality. “Help us in weaving this into a reality for a better Pearl of the Orient,” Hernandez added.
He further encouraged the graduates to keep on the right track of “tunay na pagbabago” and continue to subscribe to after-care program with the help of experts from the local government.
Testimonies from the families of the graduates were also encouraging.
Jennifer Abuyan, wife of graduate Ronnie Abuyan, said his partner is now more responsible and calm, unlike before when he would flare up at the slightest provocation.
The PPRC is the first and only reformation camp in Region 4 for drug dependents. Mayor Dator said this is only the first batch.
The local government unit recorded almost 460 drug surrenderers and the next batch is already upcoming. (Belinda M. Otordoz/PNA)
