MATANOG, Maguindanao del Norte— As part of the regional government’s inclusivity effort in rebuilding all walks of life in the Bangsamoro region, 25 individuals who previously suffered from substance use disorder received their technical-vocational certificate on Thursday, Oct. 12 in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte.
Implementing office Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) Technical Education and Skills Development (TESD) Maguindanao Provincial Office reported that 25 of the 40 graduates were drug surrenderers who decided to start a new beginning. All of them were recipients of the “Tulong ng Tekbok sa Pag-angat ng Bangsamoro” scholarship program.
Aside from the scholarship program, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Matanog provided various psychosocial interventions and livelihood programs as part of their reformation program for those affected by illegal drugs. The individuals spent three months at the Balay Silangan Rehabilitation Center to ensure that they would become better versions of themselves as they were slowly integrated into the community.
As part of the said reformation program, the LGU sought assistance from the regional office, leading to the admission of the 25 individuals into the Electrical Installation and Maintenance National Certificate II course offered by Illana Bay Integrated Computer College Inc.
One of the former drug offenders, a 23-year-old who chose to be unnamed, admitted that his involvement in substance abuse was a result of poor choices and curiosity. However, he later realized that his life would be derailed if he continued engaging in the said vice hence he stopped.
When the local government intensified its campaign against illegal drug offenders, he voluntarily turned himself in.
“We voluntarily submitted ourselves since we heard that the government has a better plan for us,” he explained. And now, his instinct led him to incessant opportunities.
Through the BARMM’s technical-vocational program, he gained additional technical knowledge which complimented his existing familiarity with electrical works, as his father also works as an electrician.
Maguindanao TESD Provincial Director Salehk Mangelen emphasized that his office is mandated to make technical education accessible for everyone hence he was really moved that they become instrumental in transforming the lives of the drug victims.
“We hope that the skills you acquired from this training will open endless opportunities for you so that you can finally shun away from your unwanted past,” Mangelen said.
He shared that while Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s marching order was to bring government services closer to the people, they ensured that every individual in their jurisdiction would have access to these services.
Town Mayor Zohria Bansil-Guro was elated with the achievement of the former drug victims. As she recognized one of the participants whom she previously held apprehension because of his past involvement in illegal drugs, the mayor couldn’t be much happier seeing the transformation unfold right in front of her eyes.
“I’m happy for what you have achieved. Cultivate the knowledge that you have gained from this training as no one can take it from you,” she said.
The town mayor also encouraged the graduates to coordinate with LGU so that in case there would be a need for manpower in electrical works, they could be tapped. As she ended her speech, she further encouraged the graduates to become productive citizens not just for their families but for the Bangsamoro. (Abdullah Matucan/BIO)
