BAGUIO CITY – Eighty three Persons with Substance Use Disorder (PSUDs) in the city of Baguio were recognized by the city government here through the city social welfare and development office Friday, May 12 at the Baguio City multi-purpose hall.
Said PSUDs completed their sessions catered by the Calvary Ministries International, Inc., Jesus Our Shepherd, Christ Lives in Me Ministry, International Christian Ministries Inc., Church of Christ at Camp 7, Jesus Reigns Ministry, Gospel of Christ Fellowship Inc., New Life Baguio, Irisan Assembly of God, Maxfaith Church, Life in the Light Fellowship Church, Jesus is Lord, Word and Life Assembly of God, and Church of the Open Doors.
Out of the 177 PSUDs who participated in the Integrated Participatory Community Building program of the city and finished the 36 modular sessions, 83 PSUDs qualified to graduate.
The activities given to the PSUDs that helped in their transformation include family day, health and wellness, individual counseling among others before undergoing random drug test.
“The conduct of the random drug testing will determine if the PSUDs have truly reformed into a better individual,” said city social welfare and development officer Betty Fangasan.
Apart from recognizing the PSUD completers, special awards on punctuality, supportiveness, undeniable change and dependability were also given to some of them.
Seven PSUDs were also recognized as Outstanding PSUDs for showing their genuine commitment to transform into a better individual.
In his inspirational message, Domogan challenged the PSUDs to continue to help themselves to truly reform and never to go back to the said illegal drugs, may it be as pushers or users and at the same time urged them to encourage other people who are engaged to illegal drugs to join the Integrated Participatory Community Building program of the city.
Domogan also acknowledged the different private sectors and religious groups for volunteering and sacrificing so as to help the PSUDs who are willing to help themselves reform.
Meanwhile, 27 PSUDs who have completed their session catered by the Bless Our Cops and IMPACT will be recognized by the city government on May 19.
In Baguio, it was reported that a total of 2,362 individuals engaged in illegal drugs surrendered to authorities.
Despite inadequate funds for the campaign on war against drugs, the city government here through the CSWDO in partnership with other private and religious sectors continues to serve and assist said PSUDs who are willing to help themselves. /Jho Arranz
