San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is building a network of drug rehabilitation centers located in various areas around the country under a P1 billion grant it committed to give the government in support of its drive against drug addiction.
In addition to an earlier announced drug rehab center in Bataan, SMC, through its San Miguel Foundation, is looking to build similar facilities in Pampanga, Cavite, and Cebu. It is still studying possible locations for a fifth facility.
“Rehabilitation is a crucial part of the government’s fight against illegal drugs that’s why we are committing to build more facilities around the country to help reform drug dependents especially the youth,” San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang said.
“While there are no shortcuts to the process of rehabilitation, we want to help hasten the return of former drug users to their families and as productive members of the society,” he added.
San Miguel earlier signed an agreement with officials from the Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, the Provincial Government of Bataan and non-profit organization Pilipinong May Puso Foundation, Inc (PMPF) to construct a drug rehabilitation center in Bataan.
The Bataan provincial government has already identified and provided the site for construction while the initial design is being drawn up by San Miguel based on the specifications of the Department of Health in consultation with the DILG and the Office of the President. After its completion, the Department of Health will run the facility.
The drug rehabilitation program to be used in the Bataan facility will include sustainable livelihood programs and capacity-building activities. Among these are modules on entrepreneurship, handicrafts, basic computer and information technology skills, horticulture and animal raising.