CEBU CITY — In a significant public health move, Cebu City has effectively facilitated the community-based rehabilitation of over 5,000 former drug users, marking a major milestone in the city's ongoing efforts to manage substance abuse.

According to Philippines News Agency, executive director of the City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP), 5,160 individuals from 80 villages have successfully completed a rehabilitation program, significantly impacting the city's management of nearly 11,000 individuals identified in a joint watchlist by the Cebu City Police Office and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Despite the availability of this program, only about half of those listed took advantage of the rehabilitation services offered.

Rodriguez highlighted the importance of inclusive support in the battle against drug abuse, emphasizing that "nobody should be left behind." This initiative also includes strategies to prevent relapse among participants, with COSAP providing unspecified incentives for those who refrain from returning to drug use.

While the program has seen substantial participation, it also faces challenges in reaching all those in need, including at least 160 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who have also completed the program.