The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga facilitated the Roll-Out Training on the Yakap Bayan Program (YBP) and Aftercare Modules at JB Nature Farm and Resort, Surigao City. The activity was participated in by selected members of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) from LGUs Buenavista, Nasipit, and Tubay in Agusan del Norte.

The discussion revolved around the introduction of YBP, concepts of case management for Recovering Persons/Children Who Used Drugs (RP/CWUDs), family and community support, relapse management, and monitoring mechanisms. Additionally, participants conducted demonstrations and return demonstrations of all 12 sessions of the Aftercare Modules.

As the lead implementers, this training will equip them with the necessary skills to properly assess RP/CWUDs in their respective localities and provide appropriate interventions through a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) approach, ensuring their successful reintegration into their families and communities.

“Sa atong mga facilitators, actually, na-amaze ko. To describe them, they are very expert… Sirs and ma’ams, salamat sa inyong unselfish nga pagpambit sa inyohang expertise. Mapasalamaton kami because this is what we need…

To tell you frankly, kini nga activity, for me, murag Aha! moment. Because for quite some time, pila na ka tuiga, akoy nag-prepare ani sa MADAC na plan, and I didn’t really know—I didn’t know how things should be done… Mao nang karon makaingon ko nga Aha! moment ni, kay for quite some time, nangita ko ani nga knowledge, information, or skills. Now, ini naman gyud, nahuman naman. Akong gi-encourage or mo-appeal ako sa grupo nga ato na gyud ning timbayayungan. Let’s move forward,” said Mr. Yul O. Guerta, MLGOO of LGU Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

This initiative by the department signifies its commitment to ensuring that all RPWUDs receive the necessary support for their recovery.