LAUR, NUEVA ECIJA — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the inauguration of the Moscati Meadows Residential Treatment Facility in Barangay San Juan here on Wednesday, February 13.
In his speech, President Duterte hailed the management and staff of the residential drug center for successfully launching the facility which he said would “serve as a haven for the victims of drug abuse.”
“This one-hectare residential addiction treatment center, which targets to accommodate up to fifty patients who will undergo a six-month holistic rehabilitation program, is truly in line with this administration’s efforts to combat the drug menace that has plagued our society for so long,” President Duterte said.
“I am truly glad that through this center, you will help them recover and find their way back to society,” he added.
The Chief Executive noted that the facility’s combination of traditional rehabilitation treatment with non-medical treatment methods would provide holistic care to patients and empower them to become effective drug and alcohol counselors to people suffering the same predicament.
He underscored that the government has made significant headway in its fight against illegal drugs by conducting almost 900 operations in Nueva Ecija alone, leading to more than a thousand arrests.
Duterte cited that in 2018, the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers have also provided more than 4,400 in patient services and 4,300 outpatient services, with more than 3,500 patients completing the primary care program.
“This event is very timely as we intensify our efforts to ensure a safe and progressive future for all Filipinos, especially the youth,” he said.
“By reforming drug dependents, we do not only effectively combat this scourge, but also give our kababayans a chance to start productive lives anew with their families and loved ones,” he added.
President Duterte then encouraged all Filipinos to actively participate in nation-building by supporting the administration in its campaign against illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption.
“With our firm commitment and solidarity in this important fight, I have no doubt that we will be able to rebuild and strengthen families that were once threatened by this menace. Together, let us keep our communities and country safe, secure, and peaceful,” he said.
Prior to his speech, the President also led the unveiling of the marker of the drug treatment facility accompanied by its founder Dr. Sarah Joy Ruiz Molleston.
He also inspected the facility and briefly interacted with some locals present in the area. ### (PND)
