'Drug Rehab Project' kicked off with turnover of donations to Caritas, Manila

Every club president has a pet project, one that reflects his most ardent advocacy and a cause he wants to contribute to in a significant way. Pres. Jun Jun Dayrit has chosen as his signature project the rehabilitation and reformation of drug dependents, a hot topic that has grabbed and continues to dwell in the national consciousness, given the attention it has received as the centerpiece of the government’s peace and order campaign. The Club is partnering with the Archdiocese of Manila for its parish-based drug rehab program, “Sanlakbay Para sa Pagbabagong Buhay” (One Journey Towards a New Life). The beneficiaries are drug dependents who had earlier surrendered to authorities under the Philippine National Police’s Oplan Tokhang. Pres. Jun Jun agrees with the Sanlakbay stand that drug dependency is best beaten with rehab, not with punitive action. It is a process that takes longer and requires more of the intangibles that in time grow deep roots—a strong support system that offers patience and unconditional/non-judgmental love, and, of course, spiritual grounding. For its initial salvo, the Club has made a substantial donation worth nearly P600,000 to Caritas Manila, which is tasked with running the program. Turned over to Sanlakbay head Fr. Bobby de la Cruz last September 29 were: a brand-new Suzuki utility vehicle purchased with the help of PN Bimbo Mills, a laptop, a printer, and a 55-inch smart TV. Helping with the program’s material needs is only the beginning of the Club’s engagement with Sanlakbay. Pres. Jun Jun sees our role expanding to embrace values formation, psycho-social counseling, skills training, and livelihood and job placement assistance. Pres. Jun Jun assured the beneficiaries of the Club’s support and assistance in their journey towards renewal and reformation. Joining Pres. Jun Jun at the Caritas Manila office in Pandacan were: Dir. Chris Ferareza, Dir. Peter Manzano, Jun Arceo and Louie Aseoche. They got to meet and talk to some of the project beneficiaries, two of whom shared their Sanlakbay stories, and establish ties with the Sanlakbay staff over merienda hosted by Caritas.