Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangamdaman approved on July 7 the release of over P48.8 million to the Department of Health (DOH) to complete the implementation of additional construction works of the Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRC) in Trece Martires, Cavite.

"Among the priorities of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is to not just fully enforce the law when it comes to illegal drug use and abuse but also on rehabilitation of victims or drug users," Secretary Pangandaman said.

The fund will be chargeable against the Grant Proceeds from the Japan International Cooperation Agency – Program for Consolidated Rehabilitation of Illegal Drug Users (JICA – CARE), Automatic Appropriations under FY 2023 of the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

"The government will see to it that the upkeep of the country's existing facilities on drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation will continue by allotting necessary budget for that purpose,” the secretary added. (DBM/PIA-Caraga)