Through a memorandum of agreement, the local government of Muntinlupa will be subsidizing rehabilitation of drug users and pushers in DoH Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (DoH-TRC).
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, DoH-TRC Bicutan director Dr. Marvin Diokno, and DoH-TRC Tagaytay representative Jocelyn Belencion inked a MOA last June 7 at Muntinlupa City Hall, Putatan for policies in the acceptance of indigent drug dependents in the rehabilitation facilities.
Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Office chief PSSUPT Florocito Ragudo (ret.) said the subsidy amounting to P10 million will benefit indigent drug dependents who are financially challenged to undergo the program.
Ragudo reported that out of 52 patients for in house rehab from January to May 2017, 33 patients or 63 percent did not push through for the treatment. He added that the greatest factor of deferment is the cost of rehabilitation.
The cost of treatment in DoH Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers amounts to an average of 15,000 pesos for seven months.
Dapco information officer Josephine Suitado said indigent drug dependents should coordinate with their Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council to avail the subsidy from the city government.
Suitado added that their agency targets 55 individuals identified in the Mamamayan at Pamilya Laban sa Droga (MAPALAD) program of the local government for in house rehabilitation. She noted that other surrenderers undergo community-based rehab approach conducted by Badac groups.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi hopes that the financial assistance encourages indigent drug dependents in Muntinlupa to seek for medical help in resolving adverse effects of illegal drugs.
Fresnedi added that the after-care program for surrenderers is integral part of the drug clearing operations.
The local government pushes strenuous effort in its drug clearing operations to the communities. Muntinlupa has two declared drug-free communities, Gundran Compound in Brgy. Putatan and Pinagpala Compound in Brgy. Bayanan.