TADIAN, Mtn. Prov.– A total of 18 Persons with Substance Use Disorder (PSUD) who tagged themselves as “Tadian Bagong Buhay” of Tadian Municipality comprised the second and last batch of graduates who finished the Recovery Wellness Program (RWP) dubbed as “Gengaas di Namnama” during the Completion Ceremony conducted on December 18, 2020 at Poblacion, Tadian, Mountain Province.
During the overview delivered by PLT Denio Gatawa Pacio, he recalled that there are forty-three (43) drug personalities who entrusted themselves to the local leaders and Tadian MPS personnel for documentation and rehabilitation since the Project Tokhang was launched in 2016.
In an effort to help these personalities, the Local Government Unit of Tadian in Partnership with Tadian Municipal Police Station, Tadian Fire Station, Religious Sectors and other government and private agencies conducted a Community Based Rehabilitation Program and which was completed by the first batch in 2017.
Due to unavoidable circumstances, these 18 PSUD were not able to finish said program. Hence, the invigoration of the RWP in 2019 initiated by the partner agencies.
On the testimonies of the PSUD, they acknowledge that they used illegal drugs out of curiosity. They affirmed that the feeling was great while under the effect of drugs but can only be felt in a short period. However, the long term effect will be anxiety, depression, hallucinations and many more as you get addicted to it. That is why, they decided to avail of the RWP for the PSUD.
On the message of Tadian Mayor Constito S. Masweng, he believed that it is but normal to commit mistake. What is not good is to do the same mistake after knowing what you did is wrong. He further encouraged the RWP graduates to apply what they learned to be more useful as a person. The mayor acknowledged the efforts of partner agencies stating that the action is a good form of showing true leadership.
Tadian MPS Chief of Police, PCPT Gilbert Lao-aguey Bulalit, he stressed in his message that we should never deprive the PSUDs who is trying to change their life by mocking them but we should invest hope in them. He further encouraged these PSUD and all individuals present during the ceremony to report and or encourage other people who are using illegal drugs.
On the speech of PCOl Homer Magtoto Penecilla delivered by PLTCOL Roy Tulean Awisan, he also inspired PSUD not to go back on their old life for life behind bars is tough if caught using and selling illegal drugs. He further stressed that going back to their old life will make the effort of the government to go in waste.**Oliver C. Bilayan and Precious Manuel Wapan
