The San Carlos City government, thru its Anti-Drug Abuse Council (SCCADAC), conducted a monitoring activity for Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) in Barangay Codcod Dec. 6.
At least 15 PWUDs, who completed their community-based drug rehabilitation program (CBDRP), on June 9, 2023, underwent random drug testing as part of the monitoring.
Two of them tested positive, the city said.
SCCADAC representative Mitos Vepinosa said that the monitoring activity aims to track PWUD progress and assess whether they have fully embraced positive changes in their lives.
She also said that SCCADAC plans to distribute gift packs, including five kilograms of rice and a spaghetti set, on Dec. 27, for all CBDRP graduates, who have consistently tested negative during their monitoring.
SCCADAC also continued efforts to educate the youth on the dangers and ill-effects of drug abuse, with a drug abuse prevention and control symposium held Dec. 5.
At least 213 junior and senior high school students of Our Lady of Peace Mission School Inc. (OLPMSI) in Brgy. Prosperidad, and Colegio de Sta. Rita de San Carlos Inc. participated in the symposium.
Resource persons and SCCADAC facilitators Noel Hernandez, Renbert De Leon, and Garocel Samson discussed drug abuse in the Philippines, the salient provisions of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the harmful effects of drugs, and the issues surrounding drug abuse and dependence.
Hernandez also recounted how drug addiction devastated his life and family relationship, as he urged students to avoid substance use and abuse.
OLPMSI guidance advocate Lislie Villaronte thanked the SCCADAC for bringing the symposium to their school. She stressed the importance of such program, especially given the increasing exposure of young people to drugs. ||
