Rehab centers rising

Rehabilitation centers for drug users are emerging to be the most sought-after infrastructure projects in parts of the country where the war on drugs has resulted in the surrender of tens of thousands of men and women hooked to drugs.

In Gapan City, Nueva Ecija province, the old City Hall in front of the city plaza opened as a 30-bed rehabilitation center.

“When they leave the center, the former drug dependents must have job skills so they can earn a living and not return to drug addiction,” said Mayor Emerson Pascual.

In Camarines Sur, the provincial government plans to build an P800-million drug rehab center after more than 11,000 users and pushers surrendered to police there.

The plan has been submitted to the Department of Health for approval, according to Camarines Sur Gov. Miguel Luis Villafuerte. Armand Galang, Inquirer Central Luzon and Juan Escandor Jr., Inquirer Southern Luzon