Cebu City eyes rehab facility for minors

CEBU, Philippines —  With drug addiction remaining to be a problem, the Cebu City government is looking at establishing a rehabilitation facility, specifically for minors.

City Councilor Philip Zafra, chairman on peace and order, said they are currently in the process of a site where they can build the structure.

Although the city has Operation Second Chance, they want to establish a separate facility focused mainly on those engaged in illegal drugs with the hope of saving them.

"Nabantayan man gud na to karon sa mga report nga sa pipila ka mga drug operations, dunay mga minor nga na-involved niini. Panahon na tingale nga magtukod ta og facility nga alang gyud nila," said Zafra.

Zafra said they want the proper intervention and monitoring of the progress of these youngsters.

Going into a drug rehab program is also costly and the city's plan to have its own facility is highly welcomed by anti-drug crusaders, families of drug victims and concerned citizens.

The planned facility for minors is similar to the  “Balay Silangan," which is a reformatory center for adults in Barangay Taptap.

Zafra is now coordinating with the Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) headed by Jonah John Rodriguez regarding this matter, together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

While the said facility is still in its planning stage, the City through COSAP continues its community based drug rehab program for drug surrenderees.

Most drug surrenderers are coming from the list under Philippine National Police and  PDEA. — Sanden J. Anadia, JMD (FREEMAN)