The DATRC CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) is a JPY 1.85 billion or Php 846 million grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the project “Consolidated Rehabilitation of Illegal Drug Users” or CARE. This initiative is aligned with the priority program of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, specifically its advocacy of the “War on Drugs”. This bilateral project involves multiple offices in the Department of Health namely, the Dangerous Drug Abuse Prevention Treatment Program (DDAPTP), Center for Health Development 4A (CHD 4A), and the Bureau of International Health Cooperation (BIHC).

The DATRC, situated in this five-hectare wide land donated by the Province of Cavite, employs a complete rehabilitation package and aims to provide a wholesome approach for drug abuse victims in the country. The amenities and facilities provide for processing, security, visitors area, aftercare, medical and administration, nurse’s station, observation, activity center, male and female dormitories, training room, prayer hall, garden, and others. It is said to accommodate a total of 400 male and 80 female drug dependents.

Last June 14, 2022, DATRC was inaugurated led by Secretary Eduardo Manahan Año of DILG, as Chair of the JICA-CARE Steering Committee (SC). With him are other members of the SC attended by Usec. Leopoldo Vega, on behalf of Secretary Francisco Duque III, JICA Chief Representative Mr. Sakamoto Takema, Deputy Executive Secretary for Internal Audit Ricojudge Janvier Echiverri of Office of the President, Representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), Dangerous Drug Board (DDB), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and other local government officials and staffs.

First row (from left to right) Usec. Leopoldo Vega (DOH), Mr. Alvin Mojica (Cavite Prov’l Admin), Sec. Eduardo Año (DILG), Mayor Gemma Lubigan (Trece Martires), Mr. Sakamoto Takema (JICA), Usec. Gilberto Cruz (DDB); Second row (from left to right) Dir. Melvin Estoque (PDEA RD), PBGEN Antonio Yarraa (PNP RD), Dir. Ariel Iglesia (DILG IV-A), Brgy. Chairman Arniel Bacani (Brgy. Osorio, Trece Martires), Usec. Epimaco Densing (DILG), Desia Ricojudge Janvier Echiveri (OP), Asec. Maria Francia Laxamana (DOH), Usec. Joseline Niwane (DSWD), Dir. Ariel Valencia (CHD 4A), Asec. Romeo Ong (DOH), Asst. Dir. Leda Hernandez (CHD 4A), Dr. Clara Fuderanan (OIC PM DDAPTP) and Dr. Bienvenido Leadbres (TRC Las Piñas)

The program started with the Ribbon Cutting followed by the Unveiling of the Marker at the Admin Building. Only VIPs were present in this part of the program to avoid crowding and to observe minimum public health standards.

 The ribbon cutting and unveiling were followed by messages from the different agencies. Usec. Leopoldo Vega gave the message on behalf of Secretary Francisco T. Duque.  Usec Vega mentioned that DATRC will be the apex or an end referral of all the rehabilitation centers in the country.

“The DOH shares a vision of a healthy Pilipinas through health promotion activities of substance use and abuse. The DOH believes that substance use and abuse is a chronic but treatable medical condition. This requires a holistic approach to the whole of government, whole of society, and whole of system approach. We need to ensure that individuals suffering from this condition receive sufficient support so they can rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. Today’s ceremony represents a valuable step in ensuring the development of our health systems and realizing the goals of Universal Health Care in our country,” Usec. Vega said.

The project stakeholders committed to  continue monitoring the activities and ensure the completion of the project.

Picture of inauguration working group of JICA CARE project in Brgy. Osorio, Trece Martires