An education and counselling center for drug dependents in Bohol will be launched on October 7, 2016 as part of the government’s bid to stamp out illegal drug trade and use.

Doctor Cesar Tomas Lopez, the Capitol’s executive assistant for health services, said on Friday that the institution, dubbed Community-based Drug Education and Counselling (CDEC) Center, will be established inside the Oak Brook Building.

The building, owned by the Lion’s Club, is located right beside the St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Tagbilaran CIty, he added.

The CDEC will be manned by one psychiatrist, one medical doctor, two nurses, three psychologists, two social workers, four policemen and volunteers from the Lion’s Club.

They will conduct counselling, psychoanalysis, spiritual interventions and other programs aimed at rehabilitating drug addicts.

These activities are intended to help “persons with substance use disorders” undergo a transition and be able to live normal lives.

Meanwhile, the provincial government through an Executive Order issued by Gov. Edgar Chatto is creating an inter-agency multi-sectoral provincial team which would handle the program.

The said team will be comprised of personnel from 48 government agencies and local government units (LGU), and other representatives from the government and private sector.

On October 4, 2016, the LGU team will conduct rehabilitation and couneslling programs in the city and each municipality in the province.

The team will include the town mayor, health officer, social worker officer, local government operations officer, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay, and representatives from the religious sector. (Rey Tutas)

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