242 PWUDs in drug program – CSWDO

A total of 242 persons who use drugs (PWUDs) are currently enrolled in the Integrated Participatory Community Building Program (IPCBP) under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) headed by Liza Bulayungan.

This was disclosed by CSWDO officer III Ellen Dayag during the 3rd Quarter City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), Sept. 27, held virtually via zoom and presided over by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, CADAC chair.

She said, however, that 66 of the PWUDs enrolled in the IPCBP conducted in collaboration with faith-based groups are inactive.

Dayag added that  70 PWUDs are for completion of their brief intervention within the quarter with negative results of random drug testing and that 10 have graduated on September 16 this year.

The remaining PWUDs are continuously attending the IPCB sessions, she assured, that includes smokes cessation lectures, orientation on various CSWDO programs and spiritual enrichment talks.

Dayag revealed that three random drug tests were held on separate dates this year and that PWUDs who tested positive were referred to the outpatient drug treatment and rehabilitation (ODTR) for drug dependency examination (DDE) at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.

The OCSWDO also conducted an alcohol smoking and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST) during the quarter with 14 PWUDs needing to undergo brief intervention.

Other after-care programs for PWUDs are relapse prevention programs; attendance to trainings and seminars; continuous provision of social services based on their needs; community involvement like food for work in the barangay. – Gaby B. Keith