BACOLOD City – Eighteen drug offenders “graduated” from Balay Silangan after a month-long intervention program.
The first batch, which entered the program on Nov. 22, had their closing ceremony at the Bacolod City Government lobby on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
A second batch is expected to finish their rehabilitation in the early months of 2023.
“Don’t look back; move forward,” Councilor Pao Sy said on behalf of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
Sy encouraged the graduates to inspire other drug offenders to undergo the program consisting of religious, sports, personal hygiene, and basic life skills activities among others.
Families of former drug offenders also shared the accomplishment during the event.
The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC), all under the supervision of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, will execute a community-based aftercare rehabilitation program.
Meanwhile, Benitez eyes for Bacolod to be a drug-free city by next year.
This was after the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing Program (ROCBDC) declared Barangay 41, here, as a drug-cleared barangay.
“I hope to see more barangays declared drug-free by next year and reach the goal that Bacolod City will be a drug-free city,” the mayor said./PN
