𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐀𝐌 𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆-𝐈𝐃𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐍 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐑𝐄𝐇𝐀𝐁 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has directed the Provincial Health Office (PHO) to make the long-idle drug rehabilitation facility in Pinamungajan operational within the year, ending six years of non-use.
Dr. Mary Ann Josephine Arsenal, officer-in-charge of the PHO, said the governor is targeting a June opening to finally utilize the completed structure.
“Ang kana nga facility is really intended nga rehab center. I believe si Guv, iyang gusto is ma-utilize lang, dili siya ganahan masayang ang mga facilities nga naa na diha,” Dr. Arsenal said.
To be named the Cebu New Life Drug Rehabilitation Center, the facility is located at the back of Dr. Jose Ma. V. Borromeo Memorial District Hospital in Brgy. Pandacan, Pinamungajan.
The facility occupies 2,000 square meters of a 5,000-square-meter lot donated by the Borromeo family for the hospital. It was constructed by Globe Telecom in 2018 during the administration of former governor Hilario Davide III and turned over to the Capitol in 2019. However, it remained unused by the previous administration, prompting a Commission on Audit observation on the matter.
To be initially funded by the Office of the Governor, the center will admit 25 to 50 male drug dependents. It will be the first Capitol-run rehabilitation facility and is expected to help decongest existing centers in Cebu, including the male Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Argao operated by the Department of Health (DOH), and the female facility in Jagobiao, Mandaue City.
On Feb. 16, Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan together with the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Division (CPADAD) had a coordination meeting with other stakeholders to align on compliance, operational requirements, and next steps toward full activation of the facility. Also in attendance are representaatives from Department of Health, PHO, Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), and Psychologist Manuel Pocholo de los Santos
“This is about activating existing assets and strengthening Cebu Province’s response to substance use through proper treatment and rehabilitation,” Dr. Catalan said.
The province is finalizing staffing and operational requirements and will apply for a license to operate from the DOH Central Office once repairs are completed. The structure sustained minor damage from natural disasters and unuse over the years, necessitating rehabilitation works before it can formally open. | 𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶
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