Launching Bataan CARES: A Compassionate Approach in Addressing Drug-Related Issues in the Community
“Hindi kulungan ang solusyon sa adiksyon sa droga. Hayaan mong tulungan ka namin.” – Bataan CARES
June 16, 2023 – Despite the occurrence of an earthquake, the City Government of Balanga and the Province of Bataan pressed forward to officially launch the most-awaited Bataan CARES program. Among all the towns in the province, Balanga City was chosen as the pioneer to benefit from this major project.
This prestigious event was graced by esteemed guests which were welcomed by Mayor Francis Anthony S. Garcia. Some of them were Hon. Maria Filomena D. Singh, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and Chairperson of the JSCC TWG on Processes and Capacity Building; Hon. Lilian Baribal-Co, Assistant Court Administrator of the Supreme Court of the Philippines who represented Hon. Raul B. Villanueva; Dr. Beverly C. Ho, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health; Hon. Catalino S. Cuy, Secretary of the Dangerous Drugs Board; Mr. Christian Eldon, Team Leader and Senior Adviser of GO JUST II, Hon. Jose Enrique “Joet” S. Garcia III, Bataan Governor; and Hon. Albert S. Garcia, Bataan 2nd District Representative.
In his message, Mayor Garcia expressed his appreciation to the provincial government, to National Government Agencies involved in this project, and to the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) as the Bataan CARES program will greatly improve efficiency in working towards implementing a more humane approach in dealing with drug-related issues in the community.
Mayor Garcia expressed his appreciation to the provincial government, national government agencies, and the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) for their active involvement and support in the Bataan CARES program that aims to implement a more humane approach to address drug-related issues in the community.
Meanwhile, Governor Joet Garcia received an applause from the crowd as he wholeheartedly affirmed his commitment to the program, ensuring ongoing support from the province.
During the event, Hon. Marion Jacqueline P. Poblete, the Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court Balanga City and Convenor of the Balanga City Justice Zone, provided a concise overview of the Bataan CARES program. Its ultimate objective is to maintain Balanga’s status as a drug-free city. Three treatment and rehabilitation programs — Bahay Pagbabago of PNP, PPO, and CHO; KKDK (Katatagan, Kalusugan at Damayan ng Komunidad) of BJMP; and Bataan Treatment and Rehabilitation of DOH—will be implemented as part of this initiative. In addition to the Bataan CARES program, Balanga City, which launched its Justice Zone on March 18, 2022, has become the 8th city in the country to establish a Justice Zone. This initiative demonstrates the city’s strong commitment to ensuring convenient access to legal and judicial services for its residents.
Meanwhile, Hon. Singh shared that if the Bataan CARES program achieves success, Balanga City will make history and will be recognized as a pioneer and a model community for embracing this initiative.
One of the highlights of this event was the signing of the commitment wall, wherein each representative from national agencies involved in this major program signifies their support and allegiance.
In his closing remarks, Cong. Albert Garcia shared that there could not have been a better partner for this program than the Province of Bataan. He also shared plans for the construction of The Bunker Phase 2, which will house the entire justice system under one roof.
Also present to support the event were heads of National Government Agencies, including PNP Bataan, PNP Balanga, Bataan District Jail, Balanga City Jail, Bataan Parole and Probation Office, DILG Bataan, and DILG Balanga; heads of the City Prosecutor’s Office, Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, and Public Attorney’s Office; honorable Judges of RTC Balanga City, Bataan; heads of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and Bataan Treatment and Rehabilitation Center; Balanga City Vice-Mayor Hon. Vianca Lita Gozon and the Sangguniang Panlungsod members; and Provincial Department Heads and City Department Heads.
The program seeks to empower barangays through the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), equipping them with the essential skills to foster a safe and secure environment for everyone. Thus, the launching was followed by the workshop in the afternoon joined by the BADAC of the city’s twenty-five (25) barangays.
