Baguio HSO - Community Based Drug Rehabilitation Program

03/12/2025

𝟑-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐀𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐂 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 – “𝐈𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐜: 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬”

📆&📌: 17–19 𝑁𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 2025 | 𝑆𝑒𝑑𝑎 𝑁𝑢𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑖, 𝑆𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎 𝑅𝑜𝑠𝑎 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝐿𝑎𝑔𝑢𝑛𝑎

Organizers: Association of Anti-Drug Abuse Coalitions of the Philippines, Inc. (AADAC PHL) and the City Government of Santa Rosa

The 8th National Conference of AADAC Philippines, themed “In Sync: Synchronizing Knowledge for Sustainable Community Coalitions,” brought together local and international stakeholders to strengthen community-based anti-drug initiatives. The three-day event combined plenary sessions, workshops, and site visits to promote knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and collaboration among anti-drug coalitions.

Day 1 focused on official openings, keynote messages, and recognition of local champions, featuring international delegates from Singapore and Indonesia, as well as national government agencies (DOH, PDEA, DILG, NYC). Key discussions included national drug statistics, ongoing programs, and city-based anti-drug initiatives.

Day 2 emphasized practical workshops, including coalition building, strategic prevention processes, logic model development, and strategic planning. The General Assembly reviewed and presented amended AADAC by-laws to strengthen coalition governance.

Day 3 highlighted innovative community interventions, covering topics such as smoking and va**ng prevention, gambling addiction support, disaster preparedness, and international drug prevention programs. Participants also conducted a site visit to the Dangal ng Pagbabago Rehab Center, and concluded with closing remarks, awarding of certificates, and recognition of local champions.

The conference provided a platform for multi-sectoral collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building to support sustainable community coalitions in drug prevention and rehabilitation across the Philippines.

02/10/2025

🌟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 🌟

In line with our steadfast commitment to a drug-free workplace, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), together with the HSO–Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Unit led by Ms. Eufemia D. Dela Cruz, RN, conducted a surprise random drug testing among employees of the Baguio General Services Office (GSO) and the City Building and Architecture Office (CBAO) on September 26, 2025.

✅ 𝐀 𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝟏𝟕𝟐 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 — 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬. 👏💚

This initiative is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to uphold the highest standards of public service, strengthen its anti-drug advocacy, and reaffirm our collective commitment to a safe, healthy, and ethical workplace for all. 🌱✨

29/09/2025

" 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚐𝚞𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚟𝚒𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎."

The Department of the Interior and Local Government of Baguio City conducted a training on Strengthening Institutional Capacities of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (SICAP-BADAC) on September 17, 2025, at the CDRRMO Building, Lower Rock Quarry, Baguio City. The training brought together all Punong Barangays of Baguio City to enhance their roles in local anti-drug efforts, with the support of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) and the City Health Services Office (CHSO).
One of the key highlights of the training was the insightful session led by Ms. Eufemia D. Dela Cruz, RN, from the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) of the Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Unit. Ms. Dela Cruz discussed the vital role of CBDRP in supporting Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) on their journey to recovery through evidence-based interventions. She also presented the PWUDs Management Process Flow, offering participants a clear understanding of rehabilitation referrals, case management, and aftercare services — equipping them with practical knowledge to strengthen community-based support for recovery.

01/08/2025

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗼 𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗴-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲

Three (3) individuals completed a one-month general drug rehabilitation program. A completion ceremony was held at the City Health Services Office (CHSO), Teodora Alonzo, to congratulate the individuals and to reaffirm their
commitment in a 180-degree turn from their past to continue a drug-free life.

The three Persons who used Drugs (PWUDs) have undergone a general intervention that only requires 1 month. A more comprehensive intervention called the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) is used for mild to moderate risk of drug dependence.

These methods allow the person to continue his or her daily routine in the community and at the same time undergo the treatment process ensuring him or her completes and graduates from the program certified as drug-free.

Now spearheaded by the CHSO, led by Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, the city's drug rehabilitation program was turned over from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and integrated under the mental health program.

The Mental Health and Wellness Unit is now called the Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Unit (MHSUWU). Aside from mental health services, the unit now caters to individuals who are willing to quit the use of illegal drugs and other addictive substances such as alcohol, v**e, ci******es, among others.

The city’s drug rehabilitation program is run by the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council headed by the mayor, vice mayor, with the CHSO spearheading the drug rehabilitation process including all the members.

18/07/2025

The Baguio City Health Services Office (BCHSO), conducted an orientation under the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) for three Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) on July 18, 2025 at 8:30 am.

The discussion was led by Ms. Eufemia D. Dela Cruz, RN, continuing its strong commitment to community wellness. The session highlighted an understanding of drug use, its effects on the brain and body, the psychosocial consequences of substance abuse, and the vital journey toward change and recovery. Assisting in the initiative were SLU BS Psychology interns Cheryl Amugauan and Audrey Oandasan.

The CBDRP is designed to provide a holistic, compassionate, and community-driven approach to rehabilitation. It promotes recovery in familiar environments and strengthens family and peer support, which are essential in sustaining positive change.

Through evidence-based sessions, personalized support, and continuous monitoring, BCHSO’s CBDRP stands as a vital pillar in the city's commitment to healing, empowerment, and second chances for individuals recovering from substance use.

14/07/2025

03/07/2025

03/07/2025

✍️𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐒𝐖𝐃 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐠-𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

🗓July 2, 2025
📍HSO Lounge

A multi-agency coordination meeting was held at the HSO Lounge to discuss the establishment of the Temporary Balay Silangan, which will include a Mental Health Temporary Shelter and a DSWD Processing Center as part of the Pag-Abot Program.

The meeting was led by CHO Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes and Acting ACHO Dr. Maria Lourdes Pakoy, with key inputs from Dr. Khecy Colas and the Mental Health and Substance Use and Wellness Unit nurses: Ricky Ducas Jr., Eufemia D. Dela Cruz.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the following offices:
Mayor’s Office - SSD: Jasmin Rivera
DILG - CD: Millicent Cariño
DSWD - RD: Maria Aplaten, with Ms. Chabelita Barrozo and Jed Julian
CSWDO - Social Workers: Cynthia Langagan and Raquel Madlon
BCPO: Rassi Gasmeña
PDEA: Edwin Changrapen and Harmony Grace Foryasen

The meeting concluded with a consensus to conduct a follow-up session for the finalization of protocols and presentation of the draft operational plan. A joint commitment was expressed by all attendees to ensure the successful implementation of the Balay Silangan and the Pag-Abot Program, aiming to provide a holistic, compassionate, and structured intervention for individuals in need.

20/06/2025

𝗗𝗢𝗛 𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗖 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁s 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗼, 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗱𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗵𝗮𝗯 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿
Department of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh Vergeire and Regional Director Ferdinand Benbenen visited the City Health Services Office led by Dr. Celia Flor Cascolan Brillantes to engage in a meeting and site visit on the city’s community-based drug rehabilitation program (CBDRP).
“Your process is in place… this is what we can share in other localities”, Vergeire expressed, citing the recently established process flow of the city’s CBDRP in which the program’s lead office was just turned to the CHSO in late 2024.
USEC Vergeire highlighted that the visit is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the implementation of evidence-based, community-led drug rehabilitation programs across various local government units.
Dr. Khecy Colas, Program Manager of the Substance Use Wellness Unit, presented the city’s best practices, operational strategies, and collaborative mechanisms for delivering CBDRP services. Among the best practices presented is the creation of the Operational Rehabilitation and Aftercare Information System (RAIS), a platform to monitor the number of PWUDs who voluntarily surrender and will undergo the CBDR Program.
Since the turnover of the program to the CHSO, it produced 32 graduates who completed a one-month general intervention rehabilitation program while eight ( 8 ) successfully finished the 6-month CBDRP. Currently, there are three (3) undergoing CBDRP and two (2) for the general intervention. The program also conducts an Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and Drug Dependence Examination (DDE) which residents can visit to schedule an appointment.
In the meeting, Dr. Colas also raised concerns about the benefits of surrenderers, as PhilHealth packages are only available for in-patient surrenderers. “Maganda po sana kapag may out-patient PhilHealth package din na pwedeng i-avail since most of our clients are out-patient and they could not avail of any PhilHealth packages.”
Residents may avail of CBDRP, ASSIST, DDE, and other mental health and wellness services on the Second Floor, City Health Services Office Annex Building, Teodora Alonzo Street, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), DOH-CAR, and the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), and Civil Society Organizations such as faith-based groups are among the organizations closely working with the CHSO on the implementation of the CBDRP.
//KJDPagada

18/06/2025

"𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫." — 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫,

On May 29, 2025, Ms. Eufemia D. Dela Cruz delivered an insightful talk titled "Understanding Substance Use: From Experimentation to Addiction." The activity was organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development - Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) and aimed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding substance use.

The session covered essential topics such as the spectrum of substance use, from initial experimentation to the development of addiction. Ms. Dela Cruz emphasized the potential impacts of substance use on individuals, families, and communities, highlighting the importance of early intervention and targeted support. She also discussed available resources, treatment options, and community-based programs designed to help those affected.

The event was attended by representatives from various offices within DSWD, fostering a collaborative approach towards addressing substance use issues in the region. The activity served as a valuable platform for sharing knowledge, raising awareness, and strengthening the network of support for individuals struggling with substance-related challenges. Overall, the talk underscored the significance of understanding, prevention, and comprehensive solutions in tackling substance use and its consequences.

05/05/2025

31/03/2025

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐖𝐔𝐃𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐁𝐃𝐑𝐏

The final session of the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP) marked a significant milestone in the journey of Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) toward recovery and transformation. This culminating activity was facilitated by Faith-Based Uplife Movement Inc., led by Pastora Wawie C. Orajay, with a strong focus on the 3 R’s of Life Transformation: Reconnection, Reformation, and Relapse Prevention through life skills and spiritual enhancement.

The session underscored the importance of Reconnection—rebuilding relationships with family, community, and faith; Reformation—embracing positive change in mindset and behavior; and Relapse Prevention—equipping participants with coping strategies to maintain sobriety. These principles were reinforced through interactive discussions, reflective exercises, and faith-based guidance.

The activity was assisted by Ms. Mimi, a nurse from the Mental Health and Substance Use Unit, alongside dedicated third-year nursing students from Pines City Colleges. Their support provided a holistic approach, integrating medical knowledge, mental health awareness, and compassionate care to empower participants in their recovery journey.
This session not only concluded the general intervention phase but also served as a testament to the collective effort in uplifting lives, fostering healing, and paving the way for a renewed purpose. The commitment of facilitators and participants reflects the ongoing mission of hope, transformation, and a drug-free future.