Pubdate: Sun, 15 Feb 2004 Source: Sunstar Pampanga (Philippines) Copyright: 2004 Sunstar Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2252 Author: Albert B. Lacanlale Note: also listed as a contact Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) 138 DRUG PATIENTS RELEASED ON V-DAY MAGALANG, Pampanga - A total of 138 drug patients "graduated" Saturday from the Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation Center (CLDRC) after completing the six-month natural detoxification method. The "graduation," held in time for the celebration of Valentine's Day, served as a heart-warming affair for the drug patients and their families. Sr. Supt. Conrado Briton, CLDRC executive director, said the patients who completed the six-month rehabilitation would still undergo a monthly check-up for 18 consecutive months to ascertain that they abstained from further using prohibited substances. The graduates, adding up to the some 3,000 drug patients who completed the "healing process" at the CLDRC since the rehabilitation center started its operations four years ago, were broken down as follows: Bulacan - 35; Pampanga - 28; Angeles City - 26; Tarlac - seven; Bataan - - three; Olongapo City - four; Zambales and Pangasinan - two patients each; one patient each from Aurora, Jolo, Baguio City and La Union; and 26 patients from the National Capital Region (NCR). San Fernando Mayor Rey B. Aquino, who was the guest of honor and keynote speaker in the simple graduation rites, lauded the CLDRC management headed by Briton for the continuous development of the rehabilitation center. "I have visited the CLDRC five times and each time I notice the remarkable improvement in the center," Aquino said. The mayor, an aspirant for the Third District congressional seat, said that despite issues being raised against some individuals in the CLDRC, the center continues to serve its purpose in curbing the drug problem in the society. Briton said CLDRC has greatly contributed to the "demand reduction" campaign of illegal drugs. Aside from the drug detoxification process, Briton said, the patients have also undergone various trainings in computer literacy, bonsai making, baking, livestock farming and other skills development programs. Seventy-seven patients have also been awarded certificates of completion for fulfilling 160 hours of training under the Computer Literacy Program sponsored by the Pampanga Agricultural College. Prior to the graduation, the CLDRC hosted some 800 drug patients coming from various regions in the country. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin