Surigao City: After a two-month rehabilitation program, 92 Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) have successfully completed their Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) in Surigao City, marking a significant achievement in the city's ongoing efforts to combat drug use.

According to Philippines News Agency, the city government reported on Wednesday that the program graduates comprised 79 men and 13 women. These individuals represent Surigao City's 17 barangays and have undergone a structured rehabilitation process aimed at addressing drug use through community-based strategies.

Surigao City Vice Mayor Alfonso Casurra, along with representatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Surigao del Norte and the City Social Welfare and Development Office, attended the graduation ceremony to welcome the 92 PWUDs.

Chesca, a 23-year-old female graduate, expressed her gratitude for the completion of the CBDRP and the support she received from the government. She shared her personal struggles, stating, "I thought my life was already hopeless as I was hooked on drugs for more than a year. Even my schooling was deeply affected by this drug menace." Chesca emphasized the importance of family involvement in protecting the youth from illegal drugs and plans to engage in government advocacy to combat drug abuse in her community.

Post-graduation, Chesca aims to participate in job training programs offered by local government agencies to secure employment. The CBDRP implementation in Surigao is carried out through the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council under the leadership of Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II.