MANILA, Philippines — A total of 37 Person Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) individuals have successfully completed the first batch of a Modified Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP) conducted by DOH-CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon).

The DOH program intends to help people with substance use disorders and assist them to achieve and maintain a meaningful and sustained recovery.

In his message, Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated the importance of forgiveness, acceptance and loving one’s self in order to gain full recovery.

“Napakaimportante na mahalin ninyo at bigyan respeto ang inyong mga sarili dahil kayo lang ang makapagbibigay ng lakas ng loob upang mabago at makabangon muli at bigyan ng halaga ang inyong buhay para sa mga taong umaasa sa inyo kasama na ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay na patuloy na nagmamahal at sumusuporta sa inyo,” Janairo said.

“Ang mahalaga ngayon ay bigyan ninyo ng panahon at harapin ang inyong kinabukasan na puno ng pag-asa at tiwala na kaya ninyong bigyan ng magandang buhay ang inyong mga sarili at magbigay ng magandang ehemplo sa inyong komunidad at sa mga iba pang mga naliligaw ng landas, mga kakilala at kaibigan, upang sila ay mahikayat na sumama sa programang ito na pinangunguhan ng ating lokal na pamahalaan.”

The Modified Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP) for Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) is a holistic wellness program and life coach training focused on improving one’s lifestyle, eliminating unwanted behaviors and become goal-oriented or forward thinkers through life coaching and actual practice of stress management.

Janairo said that the program revolves around the concept of wholeness and applying it in the eight areas of life including intellectual growth, physical health, emotional health, spiritual, social, occupational, financial and environmental health.

“It is a two-month program wherein PWUDs must undergo a three-day rehabilitation and life coaching training program and then seven weekly triad mentoring sessions for coaching practice and group life coaching sessions,” Janairo said.

The CBRP was piloted in two areas in CALABARZON namely, Bacoor City in Cavite with 19 successful PWUDs and Antipolo City in Rizal with 18 graduates. The completion ceremonies were held on December 5 and 6, respectively.

Janairo also added that the graduates will continue to have training in skills development that will be conducted by their respective local government units.

“This will provide them the personal development they need which will not only increase the opportunities for livelih0ood but will also empower them as an individual,” he further explained.

The Modified Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP) for Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) was a joint endeavor with the local governments of Bacoor City and Antipolo City, and DOH-Calabarzon. (Glen Ramos/IAMIGO/BENJIE CUARESMA/CNS)