DRUG RECOVERY PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN

Mandaue City is set to institutionalize its community-based recovery program for children affected by drug use, following the City Council's approval on first reading of a proposed ordinance on May 19, 2025.

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Since 2022, the Mandaue City Substance Abuse and Mental Health Office (SAMSHO), in partnership with the non-government organization Bidlisiw Foundation Inc., has been implementing rehabilitation services for Children Who Use Drugs (CWUDs).

National data from 2023 shows that 41.96% of individuals reported their first experience with drugs between the ages of 15 and 19. In Mandaue City alone, 109 out of 1,106 active clients said they began using drugs before turning 18. Most are out-of-school youth, while others are children in conflict with the law.

SAMSHO head Atty. Ebenezer Daryl "Ben" Manzano explained that the initiative is already in place as part of the city's broader efforts to create child-focused rehabilitation programs.

Through its partnership with Bidlisiw Foundation, the program includes training and capacity-building for SAMSHO, the City Social Welfare and Services (CSWS), and other stakeholders to ensure cases involving children are handled appropriately.

"Dapat separate man gud and mas sensitive ta sa atoang pag deal with them. We do not deal with them the same way as we deal with adults," said Manzano.