New Drug Rehab On 2001

The first drug rehabilitation center to be established by a local government unit in the province will start functioning in January of 2001.

The Municipal Government of Talisay already signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the operation of the facility with Ang Balaang Banay Foundation.

The foundation, which will be headed by Fr. Monico Catubig, will run the day-to-day operations of the facility. The Municipality at a cost of P4 million funded the construction of the rehabilitation center located in Barangay Maghaway.

Two kinds of patients will be admitted for treatment. These are the first-stage or involuntary patients whose confinement is ordered in lieu of being imprisoned in detention centers. No fees will charge for their rehabilitation. The screening for admission of these patients will be at the discretion of municipal officials. Also to be accommodated are patients whose rehabilitation is sought by their families. Monthly dues will be charged for these voluntary patients by the foundation.

The facility will be inaugurated before the end of year 200 and will start operating of January 2001.

- RJ