Quezon City government partners with PDEA vs drugs

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government yesterday partnered with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the church to establish a reformation center for children involved in drugs. 

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, PDEA chief Aaron Aquino and Bishop Antonio Tobias signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the establishment of Sagip Batang Solvent Reformation Center in Barangay San Agustin. 

The center will cater to minors who are either hooked on solvent or involved in drugs either by being couriers, runners or maintainers of drug dens.

 Under the MOU, the facility will be fully operated by the PDEA for a year before it is turned over either to the city government or a non-governmental organization. 

Aquino said the project aims to provide shelter and reformative interventions to children involved in drugs.

He said the three-month mandatory program would also provide livelihood to children.

The center, which will initially accommodate 60 minors, is expected to be operational next month.

Quezon City was chosen as the pilot site for the project.

Belmonte, who heads the city’s Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council, vowed support for the programs of the PDEA.