PANGASINAN VICE GOVERNOR WANTS HELP IN DRUG CENTER

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan-Vice Gov. Oscar B. Lambino said on Tuesday that
he would ask the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to
facilitate the release of the fund required to complete the
construction of the proposed drug rehabilitation center in the town of
Burgos.

In an interview at his house here, Lambino told The Manila Times that
at least P15 million was needed to finish the construction.

At present, the unfinished building structure stands on a two-hectare
lot donated by former mayor Demetrio Cabiles in Barangay San Vicente,
Burgos, in the First District of Pangasinan.

In 1992, former vice governor Gonzalo Duque initiated the construction
of the building with an initial funding of P5 million

According to Lambino, he was informed by Efren Fernandez during his
incumbency as executive director of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)
that the PDEA has already approved the allocation of funds for the
completion of the building.

Fernandez has been replaced by Justice Undersecretary Jose Calida, who
heads the DDB in a concurrent capacity.

Lambino said he would ask Calida to help him in facilitating the
release of the P15 million from the PDEA.

"It is necessary to complete the project and make it operational to be
able to accommodate residents from various municipalities in the
province who have been hooked into drugs and who need remedial
treatment to be able to live normal lives again," Lambino told The
Times, adding:

"When this happens, drug dependents in Pangasinan no longer need to
undergo rehabilitation program in Pampanga or Manila.

By availing themselves of the services of the Burgos rehabilitation
center, they could be nearer to their families who could pay them
visits on a regular basis."

Lambino also emphasized the completion of the building would form part
of President Arroyo's vision to have a "drug-free" Philippines by 2010.