129 ex-drug addicts to complete NoCot town rehab program

KIDAPAWAN CITY — More than 120 Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) undergoing rehabilitation in a North Cotabato town are expected to “graduate” in March this year, officials said Tuesday.

“The 129 PWUDs or persons involved in illegal drugs in the past are now enjoying the rehabilitation programs designed by the local government for them,” Arakan Mayor Rene Rubino told reporters here.

Rubino, head of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC), said the town's PWUDs undergoing rehabilitation are from the villages of Datu Ladayon, Katipunan, San Miguel, Napalico, Binoongan, Datu Mantangkil, Anapulon, and Salasang.

“They have shown signs of survival and they will survive and become good citizens,” the MADAC said in a statement.

The incoming graduates belong to the second batch of the community drug rehabilitation program with the first batch completing the program last year.

In July last year, a total of 63 PWUDs in Arakan successfully completed the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP).

In December last year, the Arakan LGU was recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its community-based rehabilitation program.

Arakan was given the National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Award by DILG Secretary Eduardo Año during the ADAC national awarding ceremonies held at the Manila Hotel last year. (PNA)