Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment - SURE Program

21/08/2026

Happy Birthday, Cong.Plaza Adolph Edward!

On your special day, we celebrate not only another year of your life but also the many lives touched by your service and advocacy.

Your belief in the importance of recovery helped pave the way for the Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment (SURE) Program to become a reality. What began as a vision for better support and opportunities for individuals in recovery has grown into a program that continues to give hope to clients and their families.

Wishing you a truly blessed birthday and many more years of meaningful service!

04/08/2026

EMPOWERING RECOVERY THROUGH FINANCIAL LITERACY

Financial stability plays a vital role in sustaining recovery. Recognizing that financial challenges can become barriers to long-term wellness, the Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment (SURE) Program, in partnership with the Provincial Economic and Enterprise Development Office (PEEDO), conducted a Financial Literacy Training for another batch of clients and their families last August 3, 2026 at the Provincial Learning Center (PLC).

The training was facilitated by Ms. Hannah Grace P. Paler and Ms. Jacquelyn M. Canada of PEEDO, who shared practical and empowering lessons on the fundamentals of financial literacy, budgeting, saving strategies, responsible borrowing, financial goal setting, investment basics, and financial planning. Through interactive discussions and workshops, participants also created their own monthly budgets and personalized financial action plans, which are practical tools they can use to make informed financial decisions and work toward a more secure future.

More than learning how to manage money, the activity encouraged participants to build confidence, develop healthy financial habits, and recognize that every wise financial decision is a meaningful step toward lasting recovery. By equipping them with these essential financial skills, the Program continues to support recovery that is holistic, sustainable, and empowering.

09/07/2026

02/07/2026

"THE EASIEST ADDICTION TO OVERCOME IS THE ONE THAT NEVER BEGINS"

On July 1, 2026, the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur, through the Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment (SURE) Program, partnered with the PNU-Mindanao Anti-Illegal Drugs Advocate in conducting a drug prevention and control activity, for the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) 2026.

Serving as one of the resource speakers, Ms. Lorjane M. Gonzales of the SURE Program, delivered a lecture on the Nature of Drug Addiction, helping participants understand how psychoactive substances affect the brain, how addiction develops over time, and the factors that increase an individual's vulnerability to substance use. She emphasized that addiction is a preventable and treatable condition and encouraged participants to make informed and responsible decisions, reminding them that the choices they make today will shape the opportunities and future they build tomorrow.

The activity was also attended by representatives from the PDEA Regional Office XIII - Agusan del Sur, headed by Provincial Officer IAV Jenalyn U. Tan. Agent Jay R. Castro served as the resource person, delivering a lecture on Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), the harmful effects of dangerous drugs, and drug identification.

Through collaborative initiatives such as this, the SURE Program continues to empower the youth through evidence-based drug prevention education, strengthen community partnerships, and cultivate informed decision-making. By inspiring the next generation to become advocates of a healthier, safer, and drug-free society, the program reinforces a simple yet powerful truth: the most effective way to overcome addiction is to prevent it before it begins.

01/07/2026

PDEA AND PADAC STRENGTHEN DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE AND ANTI-ILLEGAL DRUG ADVOCACY THROUGH TRAINING OF TRAINERS

The Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), through its Secretariat, the SURE Program, successfully facilitated the Training of Trainers (TOT) for Implementers of the Drug-Free Workplace Program and Anti-Illegal Drug Advocacy spearheaded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on June 29–30, 2026 at the Provincial Learning Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

The two-day training commenced with the opening remarks of Dir. III Laurefel P. Gabales, Regional Director of PDEA Regional Office XIII, and featured a series of lectures delivered by Atty. Randy Agustin, Chief of the Legal and Prosecution Unit; IAI Marjorie M. Veso, Acting Chief of the Regional Information Office; IAV Jenalyn U. Tan, Provincial Officer of the PDEA Agusan del Sur Provincial Office; IO3 Dindo Abellanosa, Chief of the Public Information Office; and Agent Rapunzel Bulan., who shared their expertise on the Drug-Free Workplace Program, the legal framework of Republic Act No. 9165, the national and provincial drug situation, drug identification, and the harmful effects of illegal drugs.

Representing PADAC Chairperson Hon. Santiago B. Cane Jr., Atty. Janssen Michael D. Albienda, Executive Assistant IV, delivered the Keynote Address during the opening program and received the Plaque of Appreciation on behalf of the Governor in recognition of the Provincial Government's unwavering support for anti-illegal drug initiatives.

The activity gathered MADAC Focal Persons, partner stakeholders, and SURE Program staff headed by Ms. Margieluna C. Juanite, Officer-in-Charge, to strengthen their knowledge and skills in implementing Drug-Free Workplace Programs and advancing anti-illegal drug advocacy. Participants also took part in the Signing of the Pledge of Commitment, reaffirming their collective dedication to building safer, healthier, and drug-free workplaces and communities.

Anchored on the theme, "Nagkakaisang Adbokasiya Laban sa Illegal na Droga," the two-day training reinforced the importance of collaboration among government agencies and local stakeholders in promoting prevention, advocacy, and sustainable community action against illegal drugs.

26/06/2026

STAKEHOLDERS UNITE TO SUPPORT RECOVERY DURING IDADAIT 2026 CELEBRATION

In observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) 2026, the Provincial Government, through the SURE Program, conducted a Sobriety Monitoring Activity for Primary Care and Aftercare clients to reinforce sustained recovery and promote a drug-free lifestyle.

The activity featured a series of discussions from various stakeholders that play a vital role in the recovery and rehabilitation process. Mr. Leonor L. Suyman III, JD, Court Legal Researcher II from the Regional Trial Court Branch 6 discussed the court procedures and court orders applicable to clients with cases under Republic Act No. 9165, emphasizing the importance of complying with legal responsibilities throughout the recovery process.

Ms. Camille Stacy L. Apura, Supervising Parole and Probation Officer, explained the conditions of probation, reminding participants of their responsibilities while under community supervision and the importance of adhering to the terms set by the court.

Meanwhile, Agent Juan L. German, Intelligence Officer of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), provided an overview of the key provisions of Republic Act No. 9165, reinforcing participants' awareness of the law and the consequences of engaging in illegal drug-related activities.

To further support the clients' overall well-being, Mr. Melvin Hilot of MRVFS facilitated a values-oriented session that encouraged participants to continue making positive life choices. In addition, Mr. Jayson Ayad and Mr. Andrie Lee from the Provincial Health Office conducted HIV Counseling and Testing, highlighting the importance of regular health screening and ensuring that clients have access to appropriate health services as part of their recovery.

The activity concluded with a renewed call for participants to remain committed to their recovery journey and continue applying the lessons shared during the sessions. By bringing together partner agencies, the activity provided participants with legal, health, and psychosocial support aimed at helping them sustain their recovery and successfully reintegrate into their families and communities.

22/06/2026

The observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) 2026 officially commenced during the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur's (PGAS) Flag Raising Ceremony, where the Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment (SURE) Program, in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), led officials and employees in a Pledge of Commitment against illegal drugs and trafficking in persons.

The activity also marked the launch of a week-long Information and Education Campaign featuring the distribution and display of IEC materials on drug prevention and control, office-based awareness activities on substance abuse prevention, and a Kamustahan and Sobriety Monitoring Activity for SURE Program clients.

Through these activities, the Provincial Government reaffirms its commitment to promoting a safe, healthy, and drug-free Agusan del Sur.

22/06/2026

A meaningful milestone in the journey towards recovery was celebrated on June 9, 2026, as 55 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) with cases related to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, completed the Basic Rehabilitation for Detainees Enticing Recovery (BRODER) Initiative program at the Provincial Correctional and Security Management Office (PCSMO) Detention Center in Patin-ay Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

By Lorjane M. Gonzales

Read more: https://agusandelsur.gov.ph/2026/06/22/second-chances-pdls-rewrite-their-stories-in-13-week-recovery-program/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSltL1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAEwAAEeROtRivB5YnqifTlFavTYidP6-peiyQf15kFCVDDFTIQkEeSFpIFn_HXlIss_aem_YRFglU2gaB2gSrL5nzxfmA