Region 1 drug rehabilitation center caters to outpatients, too

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – The government-owned Region 1 Medical Center Treatment and Rehabilitation Center here that will cater to drug dependents recently opened its services to outpatients.

The laying of the time capsule was also held recently for the construction of dormitory and recreational facilities at the center.

Department of Health Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan was joined by former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and his wife Pangasinan fourth district Rep. Gina de Venecia; lawyer Gonzalo Duque, a senior adviser of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) representing its chairman, Secretary Antonio Villar Jr., and the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) staff led by hospital director Dr. Roland Mejia graced the ceremonial event.

The rehabilitation center is the first of its kind in Region 1 and north of Manila that can serve 300 to 400 patients.

De Venecia was instrumental in providing funding for the center from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) during his tenure. His wife is also giving her share from her PDAF for the construction of the dormitory.

The DDB has also approved a P10-milllion fund for the center, of which P6 million was released last month to jumpstart the construction of the additional facilities.

Punzalan said the DOH has also earmarked P20 million as its funding share for the center.

He said doctors, nurses and psychologists who would be assigned at the center have undergone rigid training in Bicutan, Taguig City and Tagaytay City where the government runs two other drug rehabilitation centers. 

Since the Dagupan center is government-run, he said its operation is subsidized to lighten the financial burden of the families of drug dependents undergoing rehabilitation.