Free rehab for Davao del Norte drug users

DAVAO CITY — Drug dependents who will voluntarily surrender to authorities in Davao del Norte can avail of a six-month rehabilitation program free of charge.

"This is our way of encouraging drug users to reform by helping them in the rehabilitation process," said Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario.

Del Rosario disclosed that close to 200 drug dependents from various areas of the province have already voluntarily surrendered to police officials last week.

Most of those who have surrendered, he said, came from Panabo City. The others were from Tagum City and the towns of Carmen and Sto. Tomas.

"The initial results of our campaign on rehabilitation were very positive. We hope we could convince some more drug users to come out and seek treatment," Del Rosario said.

The governor explained that while undergoing rehabilitation, drug dependents will also be taught livelihood skills.

"We veer a bit from the usual rehabilitation process by incorporating livelihood training so that these drug dependents would have something to look forward to after the rehabilitation is over and so they can earn while they are in the center," he said.

Del Rosario, however, explained that the rehabilitation process is only a part of the total approach the provincial government has adopted in its campaign against illegal drugs.

"The police, of course, would continue with its drive against those who engage in the illegal drugs trade. It would be a relentless campaign as we want to rid the province of illegal drugs," Del Rosario said.