138 DRUG PATIENTS RELEASED ON V-DAY

MAGALANG, Pampanga - A total of 138 drug patients "graduated" Saturday
from the Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation Center (CLDRC) after
completing the six-month natural detoxification method.

The "graduation," held in time for the celebration of Valentine's Day,
served as a heart-warming affair for the drug patients and their families.

Sr. Supt. Conrado Briton, CLDRC executive director, said the patients
who completed the six-month rehabilitation would still undergo a
monthly check-up for 18 consecutive months to ascertain that they
abstained from further using prohibited substances.

The graduates, adding up to the some 3,000 drug patients who completed
the "healing process" at the CLDRC since the rehabilitation center
started its operations four years ago, were broken down as follows:
Bulacan - 35; Pampanga - 28; Angeles City - 26; Tarlac - seven; Bataan
- - three; Olongapo City - four; Zambales and Pangasinan - two patients
each; one patient each from Aurora, Jolo, Baguio City and La Union;
and 26 patients from the National Capital Region (NCR).

San Fernando Mayor Rey B. Aquino, who was the guest of honor and
keynote speaker in the simple graduation rites, lauded the CLDRC
management headed by Briton for the continuous development of the
rehabilitation center.

"I have visited the CLDRC five times and each time I notice the
remarkable improvement in the center," Aquino said.

The mayor, an aspirant for the Third District congressional seat, said
that despite issues being raised against some individuals in the
CLDRC, the center continues to serve its purpose in curbing the drug
problem in the society.

Briton said CLDRC has greatly contributed to the "demand reduction"
campaign of illegal drugs.

Aside from the drug detoxification process, Briton said, the patients
have also undergone various trainings in computer literacy, bonsai
making, baking, livestock farming and other skills development programs.

Seventy-seven patients have also been awarded certificates of
completion for fulfilling 160 hours of training under the Computer
Literacy Program sponsored by the Pampanga Agricultural College.

Prior to the graduation, the CLDRC hosted some 800 drug patients
coming from various regions in the country.