DINALUPIHAN, Bataan – After its first year of successful existence, a PNP general wants the “Bahay Pagbabago” program in this town to become a model in Region 3.
Impressed by the triumphant outcome of the rehabilitation program initiated by Mayor Gila S. Garcia, Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus, Central Luzon PNP director, said that he wants it to be continously implemented throughout Central Luzon.
“This is why I personally wanted to see it for myself so I came here to witness the graduation of the more than 400 reformists (former drug personalities). I now understand why Mayor Gila was insisting for me to come here and witness it,” pointed out General Corpus.
The graduation over the weekend of the more than 4O0 drug reformists coincided with the 1st year anniversary of the Bahay Pagbabago, a priority program of Mayor Gila and the town council in their bid to reform the former drug dependents and have them start a new and normal way of life.
For Mayor Garcia, reforming them (former drug dependents) is actually a concerted efforts initiated by a lot of people who should show love and care as if they are family. “Ito ay pagpapakita ng ating pagmamahalan at pagmamalasakit sa kanila,” stressed the lady mayor whose speech drew a deafening applause from the audience.
Mayor Garcia said that without the support of Gov Abet S Garcia, the TESDA, DILG, PNP under the leadership of Gen Corpus, Sr Supt Benjie Silo, police director and other loving people in the province “they cannot do it alone.”
She admitted however that sustaining the needs for the program is not an easy task as it needs huge amount of money, time and efforts.
One of the speakers whose message drew tears from the audience was Dolphy Quizon, Jr, a former drug addict who was jailed for 18 long years. He said his life was shattered when he was hooked into drugs but he said his life was reformed by God. “Dinurog ng droga ang aking buhay, pero binuo ng Panginoon ang buhay ko,” pointed out Quizon.
“I held my tears as I was listening to Quizon’s lamentable experience on drugs. But I want to thank Mayor Garcia for her efforts in helping drug dependents to be reformed,” said Corpus.
