kaban galing - front cover - galing pook

With Billboards and Cellphones
On general education and information, drug prevention seminars are
conducted in various communities to create awareness among family
members of the adverse effects of drug abuse. In schools, the “Barkada
Kontra Droga” project is implemented. Once the school is identified as
drug-free, a billboard is posted with the message: “This is a drug-free
school.” Workplaces, both private and public, are encouraged to
formulate and implement anti-drug policies. Similarly, once a workplace
is identified as drug-free a billboard is posted with this message: “This
is a drug-free workplace; let’s keep it that way.”
DAPCO organizes volunteers to establish and maintain a local
intelligence network. Involved in this operation are the barangay and
Sangguniang Kabataan officials, homeowners’ associations, nongovernment
organizations, and the private sector.
One of the effective tools DAPCO has used to identify suspected
drug abusers and pushers is sending text messages through the mobile
phone. When a citizen sends a message about drug related activities, it
is answered with a standard reply, and immediately action is taken.
Anonymity of the sender and confidentiality of information are insured.
People are encouraged to send information if they know that action is
done and justice is served without them being implicated.
The number of text informants grew 24 times in 2003 from only 19 in
2002. Based on information through text messages, DAPCO conducted
106 operations, made 166 arrests and filed 250 cases.
The city has a referral program for treatment and rehabilitation of
drug dependents who are voluntarily submitted by their parents, spouses,
or guardians. They are sent to institutions that can best provide the
appropriate services.
In a random drug testing in the vice mayor’s office, six staff members
tested positive. Two of them denied using drugs and refused to undergo
rehabilitation. The four underwent rehabilitation, with the promise that
they could get their jobs back if they successfully finished the course.
Treatment Facilities
The city has its own treatment facility, the Muntinlupa Renewal Home
(MRH), but it is only partially operational now. It has a maximum capacity
for 15 patients. Those who cannot be accommodated at the Renewal
MRH are referred to treatment and rehabilitation centers in Bicutan,
106 Kaban Galing