BACOLOD City – The construction of a drug treatment and rehabilitation center in Barangay Alijis is “relevant and meaningful” for the city, according to Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
“This comes as recognition for the participation of the city and its officials to the campaign against illegal drugs,” said Leonardia during the groundbreaking ceremony of the P35-million center on Friday.
Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) chairman Catalino Cuy was present during groundbreaking held at the City Agriculture Office’s demonstration farm in Alijis.
Before the ceremony, Cuy and Leonardia signed a memorandum of agreement at the Bacolod City Government Center.
Cuy said the DDB turned over P10 million to the city government for the center’s construction.
This was sourced from DDB’s P77-million budget intended for the establishment of drug centers across the country in line with Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The remaining P25 million was shouldered by the city government.
According to Cuy, many local government units have expressed interest in hosting a drug treatment and rehabilitation center but the DDB has to ensure that project grantees can afford the maintenance of the center.
Rep. Greg Gasataya, who was also at the groundbreaking along with other local officials, said he was thankful that the DDB granted Bacolod the project.
The center will house an administration building, male and female quarters, a multipurpose and mess building, and a pavilion.
In March the local government launched “Rehabinasyon,” a program for the rehabilitation of drug surrenderers.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has also chosen Bacolod as the Visayas pilot site of its Balay Silangan Reformation Program.
The program aims to offer temporary refuge for drug offenders, aiming to turn them into “self-sufficient and law-abiding members of society.”
PDEA director general Aaron Aquino said Bacolod has been considered for the program’s pilot implementation because the city actively supports the government’s antidrug campaign./PN
