DSWD implements ‘Yakap Bayan’ program

With the implementation of the “Yakap Bayan” program, the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) can now fully assist drug personalities who surrendered to the government.

DSWD Sec. Judy M. Taguiwalo explained during the recently held forum for those surrendered dubbed "Rehabinasyon" that Yakap Bayan is a rehabilitation and reintegration program for drug users and pushers who surrendered to the government which it will implement within the framework of the Department’s mandate as the head of the disaster response cluster of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

With DSWD as the lead, it implements Yakap Bayan in partnership with different government agencies. The program consisting of graduated interventions, primarily aim to create community leaders out of the former drug dependents.

Under the program, the persons concerned will undergo rehabilitation, empowerment and reintegration within the communities. The program will also train them to help assist their communities during disasters.

“Gagawing daluyan ng programa ang mga dating lulong sa droga, upang sila ay makatulong sa pagpapalakas ng response ng mga komunidad sa disaster at bigyan sila ng sense of responsibility and belonging,” Ms. Taguiwalo said.

Yakap Bayan will also help in assisting them “turn their lives around and become productive members of society.”

“Ito din ay paraan para mabura ang stigma dulot ng pagkalulong nila sa droga,” the secretary added.

The program’s first stage features rehabilitation for the first six months.

Ms. Taguiwalo further explained: “Bibigyan sila ng medical at social services kabilang ang detoxification at counseling. Unti-unti na din silang gagawa ng community service.”

After six months, interventions for the reintegration phase will begin which will take around 18 months, with the former drug dependents undergoing skills training for livelihood as well as capacity building especially on disaster response.

As a whole, the Yakap Bayan program intends to help create a safe society for the new generation.

“Tandaan natin na ang mga drug surrenderers ay mga ama, ina, anak, at kapatid din na miyembro ng pamilya at bahagi ng ating komunidad. Sila ay mayroon ding kontribusyon sa pagpapaunlad ng ating bayan,” she added.

The Secretary also appealed for support to the Yakap Bayan program

“Sana suportahan natin ang Yakap Bayan at patuloy pa itong i-kampanya para matulungan natin ang mga drug surrenderees na mabago at makapag-ambag sa lipunan. Ito ang tema ng Duterte Administration—change is possible. The war against drugs is not just a war to eliminate illegal drugs but also to assist the drug dependents change and turn a new leaf in their lives.” (DSWD)

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