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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Faith-based drug recovery program marks 10th anniversary

Faith-based drug recovery program marks 10th anniversary

Published Aug 15, 2026 06:44 pm
Businesswoman Fe Barino speaks during a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Jose Palma marking the 10th anniversary of drug recovery program Surrender to God.(Photo by Calvin Cordova)
Businesswoman Fe Barino speaks during a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Jose Palma marking the 10th anniversary of drug recovery program Surrender to God.(Photo by Calvin Cordova)
CEBU CITY–A drug recovery program that was established at the height of the war on drugs of former President Rodrigo Duterte marked a decade of transforming lives.
Surrender to God (SuGod), a Catholic faith-based recovery program, on Friday, Aug. 14, marked its 10th anniversary and called on those hooked on illegal drugs to seek help.
“We are now on our 10th year and we are still doing the service for drug addicts who want to recover,” said Barino.
Archbishop Emeritus Jose Palma, who was Archbishop of Cebu when SuGod started, celebrated a Mass that opened the 10th anniversary gathering.
Palma supported the creation of the program, believing that those who are into drugs need to be supported for them to recover.
“Drug addicts or all those who are tormented by this crisis have a home in SuGod,” Palma said. “We are here because we love. We are here because we care. We are here because we want to be of help.”
Barino admitted that the number of drug-dependents to join the program has declined.
“The element of fear is no longer there,” she said.
The outcome of the program has varying results.
Barino said some drug users who joined the program fully recovered, some relapsed while some returned to prison.
One of the beneficiaries of the program who attended the anniversary celebration was a 35-year-old man from Inabanga, Bohol.
At the time when he was hooked on drugs, the man recalled repacking illegal drugs in front of his chidlren.
The man said he sold illegal drugs that became the cause of violent confrontation with his wife.
“I used my earnings to buy drugs. It was very chaotic,” the man said.
Concerned over the future of his children, the man decided to join Sugod.
“While in rehab, we always pray the rosary. We start the day with some physical exercises then spend most of the day praying,” he said.
Aside from helping him overcome his addiction, the man also received a motorized banca from Barino, who is the chief executive officer of Duros Group of Companies.
Barino admitted SuGod faced challenges along the way but assured the program will continue.
“We are here to let the public know that yes, surrender to God is present,” she said.(Calvin D. Cordova)

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