With the city government of Muntinlupa seeking help for the full recovery of drug dependents, Christian organizations are joining the local intervention for drug surrenderers.
God Bless Muntinlupa, the International Evangelical Church of Alabang, and Christ’s Commission Fellowship signed agreements with the Muntinlupa Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Office and the Liga ng mga Barangay ng Muntinlupa last Jan. 31 to include a faith component in the city’s rehabilitation program.
Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said the religious groups will partner with the city government in facilitating faith-based approach and psycho-social services in the MAPALAD Drug Surrenderers Reintegration Program.
Navarro added that while the local government implements the Community Reintegration Program, “the moral and spiritual needs of the drug dependents should also be addressed.”
Under the MAPALAD program, slightly and moderately affected drug surrenderers undergo out-patient recovery treatment defined by the Dangerous Drug Board Regulation No. 4 series of 2016.
In Muntinlupa, MAPALAD beneficiaries receive social assistance such as scholarships, enrollment in technical-vocational schools, and zero-interest loan financing for startup businesses.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi pledged his full support to the endeavor, as he advocates not only the arrest of drug personalities but also their restoration in the society.
“The holistic approach for the campaign against illegal drugs includes the recovery in the spirituality of drug dependents,” Fresnedi said.