CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--Nineteen persons deprived of liberty completed the Katatagan, Kalusugan at Damayan ng Komunidad (KKDK) Program implemented by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology - Cagayan de Oro City Jail Dormitories, October 16.

The KKDK program is a psycho-educational modular drug intervention program developed by the Psychological Association of the Philippines, used for institution-based, outpatient, or community-based drug rehabilitation. 

With twenty-four modules, the program is divided into two parts. Eighteen modules are given to the PDLs using a small group setting, and six modules are for the family members of PDLs for four months.

As the BJMP-10 continues its efforts to assist PDLs arrested for violating RA 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, in changing their lives for the better, eight male and eleven female PDLs, along with their respective family members, have undergone and completed the KKDK program.

 “Ang hangarin nami ay para ma-ilayo kayo sa masamang bisyo at alam naman ninyo ang idinulot ng RA 9165 sa inyong buhay. Lahat ng natutunan ninyo dito, walang makakanakaw o makakakuha sa inyo. Iyan ang magiging bala ninyo kung saan man kayo magpunta. Ang hangarin din namin mga BJMP personnel ay makita kayong maunlad at successful paglabas ninyo dito,” BJMP Cagayan de Oro City Jail Male Dormitory Warden J/Supt William Manengyao said.

(Our desire is for you to stay away from bad habits. You already know what RA 9165 has done in your life. Everything that you have learned here, no one can steal or take away from you. It will be your ammunition everywhere you go. We, the BJMP Personnel, want to see you prosper and be successful when you leave here.)

Seeing a ray of hope

Undergoing the KKDK program, the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), both the male and female sees a light of hope that their lives can turn around for the better even though they were once under the influence of illegal drugs.

The KKDK program helps PDLs by giving them a series of lectures on changing ways from a drug-dependent lifestyle to a healthier one. Aside from the PDLs, their families also participate in a series of seminar modules to further understand their PDL members and better support them on their journey to recovery.

“The KKDK PROGRAM helps me to change my self-destructive thinking and behavioral patterns. I was able to know about personal responsibility, my positive self-image, create a sense of human community and provide myself to grow and take responsibility for any aspects of my life especially my actions,” says PDL Sherwin, KKDK graduate.

He further commends the BJMP for allowing them to avail of the said program and giving them a chance to become better persons as they prepare themselves while awaiting their freedom and return to their respective families. 

Accepting his imperfections, Mayuman expresses his desire to serve as an example of change and a pillar or a shoulder to lean on for his classmates and people who have fallen victim to illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, female PDL Charmaine also said she realized there is more to life than drugs and expressed her remorse for being hooked to the substance that separated her from her family. 

She said enrolling in the program made her realize that she could handle problems effectively without relying on drugs and that there is hope for someone like her.

“Ito ang programa ng BJMP na makikita natin ang halaga sa ating pamilya at kung ano ang mako-contribute natin sa ating komunidad bilang isang rehab person (With this BJMP program, we can see our worth and what we can contribute to our family and community as a rehab person). Let us encourage others to join this program para mapalawak pa ang kanilang kaalaman at malaki pa ang chance na magbago (to increase their knowledge and have a chance to change),” Charmaine said.

Reminding that they are not alone in their battle as PDLs, Dr. Rhyselle Bernadette Descallar from the City Anti-Drug Abuse Division encouraged the PDLs to continue the path for rehabilitation. 

She also reminds them that, before they even consider returning to their vices, there are people ready to assist them in their recovery, and their office is open.

“Andam ang syudad sa Cagayan de Oro, sa paglaya ninyo bisita sa opisina sa City Anti-Drug Abuse Division-Oro Wellness. Naa ta gitawag nga After-care program, kung asa nahimutang ang atong skills training, educational assistance, livelihood program, employment facilitation. Wala mo nag-inusara sa dalan sa pagbag-o,” Descallar said.

(The City of Cagayan de Oro is ready. Upon your release, visit our City Anti-Drug Abuse Division-Oro Wellness office. We have the Aftercare Program, where we have skills training, educational assistance, livelihood programs, and employment facilitation. You are not alone in your path to change).

BJMP-10 hopes that through the KKDK program, PDLs will forever change and avoid returning to jail due to the same mistakes. 

The jail warden said that graduating from the program is only the start of their journey and a testament to their potential to believe in themselves and their capacity to change. Thus, BJMP-10 urges graduates to stay committed to change, cultivate health habits, and surround themselves with positive influences.

“You are the authors of your own stories. I have no doubts that the days ahead are full of hope. Embrace your future with open hearts and minds as the best is yet to come,” BJMP-10 Assistant Regional Director for Administration JSSupt Gil Inopia said. (JAKA/PIA10)