BACOLOD City – In a significant shift toward a non-violent strategy against illegal drugs, the city government is set to declare a comprehensive drug war following a recent agreement with national agencies.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and key officials signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Thursday at the Bacolod City Government Center to initiate the Yakap Bayan Program Replication.
The Yakap Bayan Program, a community-based initiative, aims to reintegrate recovering drug users into society through rehabilitation and aftercare, moving away from punitive measures.
Joining Benitez at the MOA signing were Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6 director Atty. Carmelo Nochete, DSWD-6 Support to Operation head Russel Pareño, and the city government’s Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) head Alma Gustilo.
Addressing the gathering, Benitez emphasized the persistent drug issues plaguing the city and the need for a strategic overhaul.
“Illegal drugs remain a major problem, and a relentless effort is necessary. However, this war will be non-violent, focusing on rehabilitation rather than incarceration,” said Benitez.
He highlighted the ineffectiveness of previous harsh measures and stressed the need for educational campaigns in partnership with the Department of Education to prevent drug abuse.
The city’s approach aims to reduce the jail congestion caused by drug-related cases and to promote recovery through supportive community interventions.
“Sometimes drug-related issues can be better addressed through rehabilitation,” the mayor said, underlining the importance of collaboration between national and local authorities in addressing the drug crisis.
The Yakap Bayan Program underscores the critical role of families, communities, and local government units in supporting the recovery journey of individuals affected by drug use, aiming to eliminate the stigma around the term “addict” and recognize them as Recovering Persons Who Used Drugs./PN
