The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga reinforced its collaboration with national government agencies in delivering programs and services for Recovering Persons Who Used Drugs (RPWUDs) during the 4th Quarter Meeting of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Illegal Drugs–Rehabilitation and Reintegration Cluster on December 5, 2025, in Butuan City.

Representatives from BJMP, DOH, DTRC-Surigao City, DILG, BFP, PDEA, PNP, DATRC-San Francisco (Agusan del Sur), and the AFP’s 402nd Brigade presented accomplishments, program updates, and ways forward, while also addressing gaps to improve implementation.

Representing Regional Director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga, Protective Services Division Chief Jessie Catherine B. Aranas thanked member agencies for their continued commitment, emphasizing that strengthened coordination maximizes resources and ensures appropriate services for RPWUDs in line with the Philippine Anti-Drug Strategy (PADS).

As of the 4th quarter of 2025, 18 LGUs—23.07 percent of the region—have replicated the program, with Barobo and Butuan City as the latest adopters. A total of 306 RPWUDs have received assistance from DSWD Caraga, including 134 under AICS amounting to ₱636,705.00, and 172 through the Food-for-Work Program with ₱284,369.00 worth of Family Food Packs.

DSWD Field Office Caraga reaffirmed its commitment to advancing programs that protect the rights and welfare of RPWUDs as part of the collective goal toward a drug-free Philippines.