Events: Drug Rehab Center Marks its 9th Year
The Negros Occidental Drug Rehabilitation Center (NODRC) celebrates its 9th Anniversary today, March 19, 2012 at the "Dalangpan" Drug Rehab Center in Victorias City.
Dr. Ernesto A. Palanca, executive director of the Negros Occ. Drug Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc. (NODRFI) said the observance will start with a Eucharistic Celebration at 9:30 a.m. with religious services officiated by Fr. Fred Guadalupe during the anniversary program starting at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Romulo Rhoel Mogul, Chairman-President of the Foundation will deliver the welcome address while Ms. Juvy A. Pepello, the center administrator will outline the history of the "Dalangpan" drug rehab center which started its operations in March, 2003.
Governor Alfredo Marañon of Negros Occidental, Mayor Severo A. Palanca of Victorias City, Vice Gov. Genaro Alvarez, Jr. and Congressman Alfredo "Albee" Benitez, 3rd District, will deliver their messages. Judge Dyna Trocio, Regional Trial Court Branch 40 will deliver the keynote address.
Some of the present and former drug patients who have been successfully rehabilitated and treated at the Dalangpan Drug Rehab Center, and who have since returned to their homes, will relate their life testimonies and provide some entertainment numbers during the anniversary program.
Way back during fiscal year 2009, the center had 47 patients, which indicates more awareness of the existence of the Dalangpan drug rehab center. Records show that 43 of these patients were drug dependents while the remaining four were alcoholics. Among them, it was pointed out, 12 came from Bacolod City,
9 from Victorias City, seven from Cadiz City, one from El3 Magalona, Escalante City, San Carlos City, Talisay City and La Castellano., three from Sagay City, two from Manapla, Calatrava and Dumaguete City. There were 44 males and three females, journeying themselves in transforming their lives. The financial assistance from the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) of half a million pesos, was intended for the center’s 3- month Occupational Therapy Program, which had been conducted to both in and among discharged patients of the center the whole year to ensure that patients, upon discharge, get involved in livelihood activities to keep them away from turning back to the ill-effects of substance abuse. The therapy program includes training on Food Processing, Cooking, Baking and T-Shirt Printing.
Dr. Palanca will give the closing remars, followed by community singing "Today My Life Begins" a rendition by all the patients, the staff of the Dalangpan Center and guests.*
