PWC celebrates with Brgy 74-A in BADAC Moving Up

The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or RA 9165 mandates the government to “pursue an intensive and unrelenting campaign against the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs and other similar substances.”

In Davao City, TARA NA or the Tabangan Atong Reformist Aron Naay Asenso (help our reformist for development) is organized by the Davao City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC). It is a Community-Based Rehabilitation Aftercare Program (CBRAP) to start revitalizing the lives of the drug surrenderees.  It is designed to provide support for the rehabilitation of the suspected drug users or pushers who surrendered to the authorities here in the city. It is a comprehensive program offering different services from recovery, livelihood, and employment.  It has three phases of intervention: Phase 1 is the intensive care which lasts for six months, Phase 2 is the aftercare program which stretches up to 18 months and Phase 3 is the continuum of care.

By virtue of RA 9165, the Local Government Code of the Philippines mandates that barangays shall adopt measures towards the prevention and eradication of drug abuse. Thus, Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) was created in all barangays in every local government within its territorial jurisdiction.  It shall render assistance to the law enforcement agencies in the eradication and clearing operations of illegal drugs.

The HEIs in Davao City were also enjoined by CADAC to help in the campaign of the government through active participation in BADAC.  Philippine Women’s College of Davao and Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) are partners in helping the BADAC of Brgy 74-A.  PWC of Davao will help in Phase 2 of the Program by  providing expanded livelihood programs to the nuclear family of the drug surrenderees  through the TVET and the Business Education Programs.   

On December 20, 2019, twenty seven (27) drug surrenderees from Barangay 74-A have finished Phase 1 of CBRAP.  The moving up ceremony was held in World Palace, Talomo, Davao City.  

The ceremony was opened by an inspirational message from Joel A. Santes, the Barangay Captain and BADAC Chairperson of Barangay 74-A, Matina Crossing, Davao City.   

 Since Vice Mayor  Sebastian “Baste” Z.  Duterte could not attend the ceremony, he was represented by Kenneth Te from CADAC.  In his speech, he said that “drug addiction is a chronic disease which has a negative effect on the body and on relationships.  An addict looses one’s capability to think rationally, thus, ends up doing harmful acts to oneself, family and to the community in general.  Since a lot of temptations are present in the surroundings, the continuous support of the family and community is very important so for the rehabilitated ones not to succumb to triggers.”

Each of the twenty seven (27) drug surrenderees who finished Phase 1 of the program were given certificates. (pictures withheld to protect their identity)

The Barangay Kagawads, personnel and other partner groups were also given certificates as recognition of their help to BADAC.  After the picture-taking, everyone partook of a sumptuous lunch.  A “noche buena” package was also distributed after.