The City Government of Davao, through the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), has launched a health and wellness caravan aimed at providing essential medical services to former drug dependents. The initiative runs from November 18 to 26 in celebration of Drug Prevention and Control Week, held annually every third week of November.
The caravan seeks to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of illegal drug use and encourages collective participation in the government’s anti-drug campaign.
Jafar Marohomsalic, CADAC’s Action Officer, emphasized the partnership with the City Health Office (CHO) to deliver much-needed medical treatments to address the health concerns of former drug dependents. Employment opportunities have also been made available in collaboration with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).
“We also have PESO because we want to provide them opportunities, like jobs, to help them reintegrate into society,” Marohomsalic shared.
The program has garnered support from the police, barangay authorities, and other agencies, reflecting a unified effort to aid drug reformists in their journey toward recovery. Marohomsalic revealed that the initiative targets reaching 6,000 former drug dependents by the caravan’s conclusion on November 26.
The caravan commenced in the Paquibato District on November 18, followed by stops in the Marilog District on November 19, Bago Oshiro Gym on November 20, and Marapangi Gym in the Toril District on November 21. It continued at the Bunawan Gymnasium on November 22, with upcoming visits scheduled for the Cabantian Gymnasium on November 25 and Almendras Gymnasium on November 26.
Marohomsalic also highlighted the vital role of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) in sustaining efforts to combat drug use at the grassroots level.
“We believe that the role of BADAC is really crucial because they are the ones in the barangay who interact directly with clients and drug reformists, checking on their well-being and progress,” he said.
This initiative underscores Davao City’s commitment to empowering drug reformists by addressing their health, social, and economic needs, fostering their reintegration into the community.