New DDB chair grace consultative meeting on drug rehab and treatment

Contributed by Zeny Soriano

ABUCAY, Bataan – President Rodrigo Duterte’s newly appointed Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), former Assistant Secretary and Deputy Executive Director for Operations, Benjamin P. Reyes, recently graced the consultative meeting of the DOH treatment and rehabilitation of drug surrenderers/dependents, here at Pan Resort.

In his message, DDB Chairman Reyes, could not help but speak out his appreciation on the accomplishment of Bataan, with all the concerned agencies, for a job well done, on the President’s war against illegal drugs.

He was however also quick to note that much is still to be done with regards to the treatment and rehabilitation as a major component under the drug demand reduction pillar which aims to reintegrate in the society, recovering drug dependents.

Reyes added that with the overwhelming number of 200,000 surrenderers all over the country, the government was not that prepared to accommodate them all due to lack of rehabilitation centers, hence DDB and DOH are now including in their plans of action, the construction of drug rehabilitation and treatment centers through a public-private partnership. In fact, the government’s immediate action is the construction of a mega rehabilitation center in Nueva Ecija which can accommodate 10, 000 surrenderers.

Governor Abet Garcia for his part, expressed gratitude and pride, saying the coordinated efforts of all the stake holders have resulted to a “very successful” campaign.

Governor Garcia even reiterated that at first, he was worried because of an initial unverified report that 97% barangays of Bataan were affected, but with the aggressive campaign of the PNP headed by PPSupt. Benjie Silo Jr., we are now 100% drug free and just waiting for the President’s official declaration that Bataan is the first province in the whole country to be cleared of illegal drugs and personalities.

The consultative meeting ended in a very harmonious tone that started with the province’s convener, MBDA Chairman Charlie Pizarro’s, welcome remarks, Dr. Elizabeth P. Serrano’s  report on a clear-out algorithm of Pilar Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, PSupt Romel Velasco’s presentation of the PPO’s accomplishment on their war against illegal drugs, the presence of Mayor Ver Roque of Limay, Mayor Jopet Inton of Hermosa, Mayor Ace Jello Concepcion of Mariveles, DSWD officials, doctors and MHO officials who were more than happy to hear DDB chairman announce that training for doctors on the screening and treatment of drug addicts is now free!