64 PDLs complete drug rehab program

CEBU, Philippines — At least 64 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have graduated on Friday, October 14, from the drug rehabilitation program facilitated by the Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP).

Held at the City Hall’s Social Hall, the graduates received certificates signifying their completion of the said rehabilitation program.

As reported by the city’s Public Information Office (PIO), Jonah John Rodriguez, COSAP executive director, said that the 64 PDLs went through a six-month outpatient program that helped them manage their drug addiction and gave them an opportunity to reenter society as more functional individuals.

Rodriguez said that prior their graduation, the PDLs took a drug test since they will not be allowed to graduate if they test positive.

Among these graduates are Jack and Jill (not their real names), a couple who is looking forward to a more peaceful marriage, after they were given another chance to live a normal life through the city government’s drug rehabilitation program.

“Sa una man gyud magsige mi og away sa akong bana tungod sa problema ug sa druga. Unya tungod sa COSAP daghan mi og nakat-onan especially sa Bible, maong mas na peaceful na ang partnership,” said Jill.

Following their graduation, the PDLs are endorsed to the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) for their aftercare program.

“Ang kani lang mga bata nato karon kay na abtan ni sila og one year before naka-graduate because of COVID restrictions, but hopefully maka hinay-hinay na ‘ta og conduct og mga graduation ceremonies karon nga luag-luag na ang atong sitwasyon,” said Rodriguez.

Councilors Francis Esparis, Edgardo “Jaypee” Labella II, and Pastor “Jun” Alcover were present at the graduation ceremony.

Rodriguez thanked the city government led by Mayor Michael Rama and Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia for being supportive of COSAP’s initiatives and programs.

As of now, there are about 1,500 PDLs undergoing COSAP’s rehabilitation program. Some of them would graduate next month. — GMR (FREEMAN)