Agusan Sur’s strengthens support to persons who used drugs
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
AGUSAN DEL SUR -- The Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment (SURE) Program of the provincial government of Agusan del Sur headed by Community Affairs Officer II Margieluna C. Juanite, highlighted their office's mandate, including their advocacy against illegal drugs, as well as the healing process of persons who use drugs (PWUDs).
"The SURE Program was institutionalized on September 21, 2016, under Ordinance No. 135, and is now covered by Ordinance No. 608. It was part of the anti-illegal drugs campaign initiated during the administration of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. This program serves all individuals with substance use disorders," she said.
It was also noted that, prior to the institutionalization of the program, former Governor and now 2nd district Congressional Representative Adolph Edward "Eddiebong" Plaza, already planned to create a support program for PWUDs.
"Agusan del Sur was the first province in Caraga to implement such a program. The author of the ordinance institutionalizing the SURE Program is former Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) member and current Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr.," she revealed.
"The office's mandate is to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of treatment and rehabilitation for PWUDs, while also providing awareness and enlightenment to the people of Agusan del Sur to keep them away from illegal drugs," said Juanite.
She further highlighted the program's components, namely, treatment, outreach, and training.
As she explained, the SURE Program has three main projects:
1. Recovery and Rehabilitation Project: This involves psychoeducation, aftercare for both primary and aftercare clients, support for their families every Saturday, and assistance to recovery support groups.
2. Outreach Project: This includes drug symposia and awareness campaigns, primarily targeting youth, college students, and other vulnerable groups. This project also monitors all PWUDs.
3. After-Care Project: This focuses on contingency management for primary and aftercare clients, life skills training for sustained recovery, and relapse prevention group activities.
Juanite emphasized that the program caters to both voluntary clients and those ordered by the court. "The treatment begins with a primary treatment program that lasts for three months, focusing on understanding addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that requires structured recovery," she said.
"During assessment, most PWUDs are still in denial, but after enrolling in the program, they gradually come to accept that addiction is an illness that must be addressed," Juanite added.
After the 90-day program, participants enter a two-year aftercare phase, where they are taught life skills to help them become self-sufficient and support their families. This is done in collaboration with various government agencies, including the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Office (PAVO), Provincial Economic Enterprise Development Office (PEEDO), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), and other partners within the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS).
"PWUDs are reintegrated into the community with the help of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), that monitor their progress," she underscored.
Its greatest achievement is to witness the many PWUDs who graduated from the SURE program, with the assurance that the government is committed to supporting their recovery and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities. (KKRG, PIA-Agusan del Sur)
