Nueva Ecija. The Acting Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Virginia Orogo led the department’s ocular visit at Mega Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRC) on Saturday, 22 September 2018. Together with DSWD Field Office III Regional Director Gemma Gabuya, they discussed with Mega DATRC’s Commanding Officer Col. Nelson J. Dancel the rich opportunity of inter-agency partnership on rehabilitation program.

Mega DATRC presented their rehabilitation program from admission of residents to aftercare for both adults and minors or children in conflict with the law (CICL). Republic Act no. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002) considers the minors’ “developmental age and potential to recover from dependence on drugs and to stop substance abuse, so that they can live productive, substance-free and crime-free lives.” Contrary to mainstream news, the government, through DSWD ensures the welfare of CICLs under their custody.

Rehabilitation Program

CICLs admitted in Mega DATRC will undergo a minimum of six (6) months to one (1) year of specialized rehabilitation program. This is created only for them because of their needs such as their right to learn. They will receive 800 hours or equivalent to 10 months of alternative learning system.

DSWD’s random interview to CICLs

Acting Secretary Orogo wanted to ensure the welfare of these minors. She personally conducted random interviews with CICLs. She made sure their condition does not affect their development and welfare.

Director Gabuya suggested capacitating of the Local Government Units and Barangay Local Government Units as part of the support network of the residents. One of the causes of relapse after their rehabilitation is lack of employment or source of income. Aside from the rehabilitation program, Mega DATRC, with the help of partner-agencies shall ensure that this finding will be addressed accordingly.

Family is also an essential part of the success of every rehabilitation process. “We should also include the families of these residents in your aftercare program,” Orogo said. Families must be considered as helping institutions in preventing relapse and furthering development.

Social Pension Payout

On the same day, Acting Secretary Orogo and Regional Director Gabuya attended the distribution of pension to some 793 Social Pension beneficiaries in Penaranda, Nueva Ecija. Together with the DSWD team, they ensured that the process of distribution is fast and comfortable for the senior citizens.

Acting Secretary Orogo ensures Elders’ welfare are not left behind.
Regional Director Gemma Gabuya encourages beneficiaries to count their pension before leaving.

Relief Operation

        DSWD serves more than that in a day. The municipality is also affected with the onslaught of Super Typhoon Ompong. Simultaneous with the above-mentioned program, DSWD distributed Family Food Packs to some 300 affected families. The beneficiaries were happy that even several days after Ompong left, the department still look after them during their recovery period.

DSWD Acting Secretary Orogo with Regional Director Gemma Gabuya distributing DSWD Family Food Packs to affected familes in Nueva Ecija
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