SALAG marks 6 years as haven to drug-abuse victims in Region 8

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
June 17, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The only treatment and rehabilitation center for male drug abuse-victims in Eastern Visayas, the Saving Lives at a Common Ground (SALAG) Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, the only treatment and rehabilitation Center in Region 8, is celebrating its 6th Anniversary on June 17, 2010.

Dr. Teresita M. Cajano, the chief of the Center disclosed that the anniversary celebration will coincide with the Inauguration of the new dormitory and staff house of the Center, the Recognition Day and the 4th Commencement Exercises of the recovering drug dependents who are ready to graduate from their rehabilitation program.

The Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center – SALAG uses the Therapeutic Community Modality in helping individuals to be free from their dependence on drugs while developing productive and healthy lives.

No matter how serious the addiction of a drug dependent maybe, it is always possible to free oneself from it so long as the conditions, the motivation, and the right part of help are present. And the fight against drug abuse will never be successful without the support of the different sectors in our society. On our part, we in the community must have a hand in the treatment of a drug dependent and in his rehabilitation which will aid him to start a new and clear life.

Residents at SALAG must be 15 years up to 45 years old upon confinement. Before one can be rehabilitated, one must secure an endorsement from the Local Government Unit, accomplish a contract for the family’s payment scheme and secure a social case study from the Department of Social Welfare & Development Region 8. After which, he will have to undergo a series of medical and psychiatric examinations.

The SALAG Regional Drug Rehabilitation Center in Dulag, Leyte, was conceptualized when then Governor and former Congresswoman Remedios L. Petilla was the chairperson of the Regional Development Council, in answer to the need for one such center which would cater to the drug dependents in the Region.

The project was continued by the Regional Development Council during the term of Southern Leyte Governor Rosette Lerias.

Later, the Center was turned over to the Department of Health Region 8 pursuant to a department circular that Rehabilitation Centers must be under the care of the Department of Health, with Dr. Teresita Cajano as chief designate.