The Pasig City local government hosted the anti-drug abuse training initiated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on March 10 and March 11.
The two-day training was attended by 41 participants from each of the anti-drug abuse councils (ADACs) of the cities of Pasig, San Juan, Muntinlupa, and Mandaluyong.
The sessions were held at the conference hall of the Pasig City Hall.
The training is based on "RenewHealth", a five-year USAID program from 2019 to 2024, that focuses on community-based drug rehabilitation (CBDR) and evidence-based policy making.
The participants were taught about CBDR which includes proper screening, treatment, aftercare, and reintegration. It highlights the need to build a recovery support system for persons who use drugs (PWUDs) in order to alleviate drug dependence.
In line with CBDR, the General Intervention on Health and Wellness Awareness (GINHAWA) was introduced. It shares methods for proper preparation and screening of PWUDs, as well as treatment of disorders using evidence-based tools and interventions that complements the capacities of each local government unit.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto visited the training sessions, imparting the importance of demand reduction in the city's fight against the proliferation of illegal drugs and illegal drug abuse.
The event is in support of the city government's initiatives to curb illegal drugs and drug use in the city.
The city government was recognized as one of the eight metro localities whose performance was well-received in the 2019 Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Audit by the Department of Interior and Local Government - National Capital Region (DILG-NCR).
Mayor Sotto received the plaque of recognition for the 2021 National Anti-Abuse Council Performance Award from the DILG-NCR.
In the audit, ADACs are measured based on their organization, fund allocation, implementation, and innovation of anti-illegal drugs projects.
For aiding the city's efforts to implement evidence-based policy making, on Feb. 16, the city government distributed cash incentives ranging from P3,000 to P8,000 to police assets and informants based on their contributions.
On Jan. 27, the Substance Abuse Office of Pasig (SATOP), the Anti-Drug Abuse Council of Pasig (ADCOP), and the Pasig City Health Department launched the Mobile Drug Testing Clinic (MDTC).
Aside from accessible testing for Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs), the MDTC also offers Covid-19 vaccination services and an avenue for residents to claim financial assistance.
The MDTC plans to expand its services for family planning and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening.