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| Photo credit to Philippine Information Agency - NCR |
A two-storey unused building in Brgy. Poblacion, here, will soon house recovering drug dependents in the province.
The Ayala Foundation, Inc. has entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Marawi City Government on Tuesday, January 24, for the establishment of the drug rehabilitation facility.
To be called Siyapen, which is the Maranao word for care, the center will occupy an existing two-storey building owned by the Marawi City government with a total floor area of 851 sq.m. and lot area of 2,000 sq.m.
The Ayala Foundation will oversee the refurbishment of the structure through its construction arm, Makati Development Corporation (MDC).
MDC will work on the facility from January to April 2017 and will turnover the center to the city government once completed. Ayala will also provide seed funding for the first year of operations.
Siyapen Center will have 70 beds for in-patient treatment but will also be able to accommodate drug dependents undergoing outpatient care.
This community-based treatment and care center seeks to provide a space that encourages physical wellness and social integration. It allows drug dependents to have better access to family and other forms of social support which are crucial to their recovery.
The center will also provide other therapeutic activities such as exercise and group sessions. Its proximity to a mosque will further open up opportunities for spiritual counseling.
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| Photo credit to Philippine Information Agency - NCR |
"We believe that the Siyapen Center will contribute significantly to the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents in ARMM, primarily in Marawi City," said Ruel Maranan, president of Ayala Foundation.
"In building Siyapen, we hope to provide a space where person-centered recovery is made first priority, thereby paving the way for meaningful reintegration into society," he added.
The construction of the Siyapen Center is part of Ayala Foundation's continuing development efforts in Mindanao.
"The Siyapen Drug Rehabilitation Center is our way of addressing another challenge Mindanao faces, and of responding to the national government's call for private sector support in addressing the drug problem, said Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman and CEO of Ayala Corporation and co-chairman of Ayala Foundation.
The Philippine National Police reported at least 123 persons arrested for suspicion of drug-related involvement in Marawi City as of November 22, 2016. At least 471 persons have voluntarily surrendered to the local police.
Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra is elated that after requesting President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for a drug rehabilitation center a month ago, he is finally seeing the answer to his request, through the help of the Ayala Foundation.
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| Photo credit to Philippine Information Agency - NCR |
"I believe we are making great progress. Let us give our all-out support to the fight against illegal drugs," Gandamra said in his speech.
Provincial Governor Soraya A. Adiong thanked the Ayala Foundation for partnering with the local government in the drive against drug proliferation in the province.
She said the MOA signing made her feel more inspired and determined to continuously eradicate the drug menace affecting not only the province but the entire Philippines.
When the governor assumed office, she crafted her 9-Point Agenda of Governance which included the eradication of the use of illegal drugs. She also ordered the conduct of a Provincial Anti-Drug Awareness Orientation for the youth where young people were educated on the ill-effects of substance use and abuse.
The provincial government also plans to bring down the program to the municipal and barangay levels this year to reach a larger constituents. (APB/PIA-10)
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