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1,000 reformed drug dependents join environment clean up drive

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Jan. 12 (PNA) -- Some 1,000 drug dependents undergoing rehabilitation under the city government’s “Balik-Pangarap” program joined an initiative to clean the waterside of a major river here Thursday.

Joel Aguirre, focal person of “Balik- Pangarap,” said the activity forms part of the program on social engagement and care for the environment as one of the pillars of their social transformation.

The activity focused on the three-kilometer flank of Kidapawan River here. They collected at least 50 sacks of assorted garbage that included plastics, aluminum cans, old rubber tires and slippers, used diapers, and expended shopping mall cellophanes.

“Their voluntary participation of the "Balik- Pangarap" program is a clear manifestation that they are slowly diverting their attention in caring for others through the preservation of natural environment,” Aguirre said.

Those undergoing rehabilitation under the “Balik- Pangarap” program are subjected to regular psychiatric assessment, fellowship meetings, sports fest, and social awareness on the road to full-recovery from drug dependency.

The program, launched in July 2016, aims to help recovering addicts by molding them as responsible and law abiding citizens once more.

The Provincial Anti-illegal Drug Council and the North Cotabato Police Provincial Office recommended the implementation of the program in other parts of the province.

Since July last year, a total of 1,373 drug dependents have yielded before police authorities here to avail of the program. (PNA)

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