Narcotics anonymous treatment program; Foreigner opens center for drug surrenderers

CEBU, Philippines - A Norwegian has brought to Olango Island in Lapu-Lapu City the US-founded Narcotics Anonymous (NA) treatment program for drug surrenderers.

A retired social worker and organizer in Norway, Bjorn Norman, 74, said that since the start of President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, he has been working to establish in the island a professional treatment center for drug surrenderers named Wayback Olango.

The center is a registered social non-profit organization headed by Rose Jumao-as as president with Norman as senior adviser.

Norman has introduced the NA fellowship not only to drug surrenderers but to those who have problem with either drug or alcohol in Barangay Sabang as well.

“The therapy is based on modern conversation strategy based on individual background research of the client. We want to create a better lifestyle and moral for our clients,” he said.

Founded in 1940s, NA describes itself as a "nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem". It uses a traditional 12-step model that has been expanded and developed for people with varied substance abuse issues.

Norman said they initially met resistance by a few barangay officials in Sta. Rosa, where he was accused of having his own agenda, but was later on allowed to start by interviewing drug surrenderers.

 Last March 11, Wayback Olango opened its office at the Sabang Barangay Hall, where volunteers and the first four clients meet every Tuesday.

Norman said the four first clients would be their ambassadors for hundreds of drug surrenderers in Olango Island to avail of the free program. Olango, with nine barangays, is estimated to have around 800 drug surrenderers, with Sabang having the most number at around 100.

“My personal principle is to have an open honest agenda and I have never been afraid to fight for the losers in the society.  I know and really feel the drug surrenderers in Philippines are. I will stand up and fight for their care and right,” he said.

He has been living in Olango Island for over four years now and has an Alien Certificate of Registration as tourist duly issued by the Philippine government.

Paul Bucado, a local staff, said Norman has been spending for everything from training expenses to office supplies and other expenses incurred for the program.

Norman said he has a German friend helping him financially but they are inviting more volunteers and sponsors.

“If you want some success to give drug surrenderers a better future you need support of ordinary people…to include drug surrenderers in the different activities (and) different events like just social meals, walking trip, island hopping, etcetera,” he said.

He also emphasized the need to create positive communication with the family of drug surrenderers. (FREEMAN)