Russel Santos, 35, from Barangay Dalandanan used to take illegal drugs since he was in high school. But last year, Santos had a change of heart when he voluntarily submitted himself to a rehabilitation program sponsored by the City Government of Valenzuela though Valenzuela City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (VADAC).

Santos is one of the 41 patients who have finished their rehabilitation program in the Mega Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Nueva Ecija on March 5. They belong to the second batch of center-based rehabilitation program graduates of the city since 2016. The first batch of 141 clients graduated last May 2017 from the Central Luzon Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Center in Magalang, Pampanga.

From being clients to, now, achievers, the 41 graduates of the rehabilitation program of the VADAC are now ready to face the next challenges for the betterment of their lives.

VADAC Action Officer, Atty. Bimbo Dela Cruz said that the client-achievers will now undergo a six-month long monitoring to ensure their drug-free status. The city government will also provide them financial assistance worth Php 20,000 and they will also undergo seminars and trainings to better handle their finances.

The city government of Valenzuela continues its drive in combatting illegal drugs and criminality in the city. As of January 2018, VADAC has reported a total of 941 clients for the barangay based Community Wellness Program, while the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has been catering an after care program for 160 clients.

The after care programs being implemented for the former rehab clients include employment through the Public Employment and Services Office (PESO), livelihood assistance through the Valenzuela Cooperative Development Council, and scholarship through the Valenzuela Polytechnic College.

The rehabilitation program of Valenzuela was also cited as one of the Top Three Best Rehabilitation Programs in the National Capital Region (NCR), as recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) during the 27th PNP Founding Anniversary celebration last February 26, 2018 in Camp Bagong Diwa.