Pubdate: Mon, 30 May 2005
Source: Cebu Daily News  (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Cebu Daily News
Contact:  http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_cdn
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1723
Author: Leah May Lim-Atienza

COUNCILOR WANTS REHABILITATION TO INCLUDE LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMS

A CEBU CITY councilor believes that jobs will help former drug
dependents fight illegal drugs.

Councilor Edgardo Labella authored a resolution last week asking the
Cebu City Anti-Drug Abuse Council to look into possibility of
including employment or livelihood programs into the rehabilitation of
drug dependents.

He said this could be done with the help of the private sector or
non-government organizations.

Labella believes his proposal will help strengthen the goal of the
government to attain a comprehensive and balanced national drug abuse
prevention and control program to help former drug dependents rebuild
their lives.

Labella said many reformed drug dependents find it hard to break free
from the stigma of their addiction, making a return to mainstream
society difficult.

This, he added, also makes it hard for reformed addicts to find
gainful employment.

Labella said helping former drug users lead new lives would provide
them a chance to engage in legitimate endeavors that would make them
productive members of society.

Getting the support of the private sector in this effort, Labella
said, could prod former drug addicts to work toward the betterment of
their lives and that of their families. 
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