Mayor Pascual launches “May Pagasa sa Orani” project

ORANI, Bataan – The municipal government of this first-class town officially launched yesterday the “May Pagasa sa Orani” project for the rehabilitation of more than 400 drug personalities here who recently surrendered to the authorities.

Mayor Efren “Bondjong” Pascual, Jr. led the formal opening rites. Vice mayor Godofredo Galicia and the members of the municipal council, village chiefs and other representatives of different agencies joined Pascual in the event.

Bataan Governor Albert Garcia and Congresswoman Geraldine Roman of the first district served as guest speakers. Board members Rey Ibe and Dante Manalaysay were also present.

Police Chief Inspector Francis Siriban, the chief of police here, said there were 465 drug users and pushers who surrendered to them in different police operations. Out of the said number 132, of them passed the different screenings such as physical, emotional and psychological tests conducted by the municipal health office and the municipal social welfare and development office and considered them “fit to work”.

“Under the said program those 132 individuals who passed the tests will be given community service jobs with pay. They will render their services here at the vicinity of the municipal hall, the market place and different barangays,” Mayor Pascual told 1Bataan.com.

Pascual added that the municipal government is planning to allot at least six to seven million pesos as initial budget for the rehabilitation, salaries and other assistance for the drug reformists, as the PNP called them, but the municipal council needs to approve it.

Governor Garcia lauded Mayor Pascual’s move to eradicate drug problem in this town citing the province’s potentials for economic growth thereby creating more jobs for the Bataenyos.