COLLABORATION. Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (center right) and Department of Social Welfare and Development-Western Visayas Regional Director Carmelo Nochete (center left) sign the memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the Yakap Bayan framework in the city, on Thursday (Sept. 5, 2024). Witnessing the signing were DSWD-Western Visayas Social Technology Unit representative Russel Parreño (left) and the city’s Department of Social Services and Development head Alma Gustilo. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City PIO)
BACOLOD CITY – About 500 recovering persons who used drugs (RPWUDs) in this city will receive aftercare support under the “Yakap Bayan” program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In a statement on Friday, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez underscored the importance of ensuring that the city government aligns with national government agencies in efforts to combat drug-related issues.
A day earlier, Benitez signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Yakap Bayan framework with DSWD-Western Visayas Director Carmelo Nochete, in the presence of the agency’s Social Technology Unit representative Russel Parreño and Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) - Bacolod head Alma Gustilo.
“The MOA is just the first step -- our collaboration is essential in this fight against drugs. Let’s continue to support our RPWUDs on their journey to recovery and reintegration, helping them become better citizens of our city and nation,” the mayor said.
Under the collaboration, the DSWD would ensure comprehensive technical assistance and augmentation of resources to empower the local government unit (LGU) in establishing and effectively implementing the vital drug recovery program.
In an interview, Gustilo said those who will provide the aftercare support will undergo training and a series of meetings to determine the programs and activities for the RPWUDs.
“Together with the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, we will draft a program design,” she added.
The city government’s Yakap Bayan multi-disciplinary team will be composed of the DSSD, City Health Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Public Employment and Services Office, Bacolod City Police Office, and village councils.
The RPWUDs who have completed the community-based drug rehabilitation program, depending on their compliance with the conditions, would be able to undergo year-long aftercare sessions with the Yakap Bayan program.
“These sessions and activities are aimed to improve their lives and with the end-goal of providing them livelihood assistance,” Gustilo said.
The Yakap Bayan program is a community-based model of intervention that helps RPWUDs reintegrate into society and sustain their new lifestyle after treatment.
It emphasizes aftercare services and highlights the important role of families, communities and LGUs in supporting their recovery journey. (PNA)
