The City Government of Davao, through the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), has brought medical services closer to former drug dependents during the health and wellness caravan on November 18-26.
The caravan was created in celebration of the Drug Prevention and Control Week, set every third week of November, to urge people to join the government’s anti-drug campaign and to increase public awareness of the harmful effects of illegal drug usage.
Jafar Marohomsalic, CADAC’s Action Officer, said they have provided drug dependents with medical treatments to address their health-related requirements in partnership with the City Health Office (CHO).
He said they also partnered with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) to provide former drug dependents with employment opportunities.
“Naa pod ta’y PESO because we wanted to give them opportunities like for example, jobs (We also have PESO because we wanted to give them opportunities like for example, jobs,” he said.
He added that former drug dependents also receive strong support from the police, barangay authorities, and other agencies.
He said their goal is to have 6,000 former drug dependents benefit from the services before the caravan ends on November 26.
The caravan arrived in the Paquibato District on November 18, then traveled to the Marilog District on November 19, Bago Oshiro Gym on November 20, and Toril District at the Marapangi Gym on November 21.
On November 22, the caravan was be held at the Bunawan Gymnasium.
It will be at the Cabantian Gymnasium on November 25, and at the Almendras Gymnasium on November 26.
Marohomsalic also said aside from their continuous Information Education Campaign, they also work to have a high functional Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC).
“We believe nga ang role sa atoang BADAC is really crucial because they are the ones nga naa gyud mismo sa barangay, makig-istorya sa mga clients, drug reformee, ug kamustahon pod sila (We believe that the role of our BADAC is really crucial because they are the ones who are actually in the barangay, talk to clients, drug reformists, and ask how they are),” he said. CIO
