The Philippines, despite its vibrant culture and resilient people, continues to face challenges that can hinder the growth and well-being of Filipino citizens. One of these challenges is drug abuse, which has far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities. To tackle this issue with compassion and inclusivity, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has established the Yakap Bayan Program.
What is DSWD Yakap Bayan?
The DSWD Yakap Bayan is an intervention framework established in 2017 to assist recovering persons who used drugs (RPWUDs). It aims to provide comprehensive and strategic services to reintegrate these individuals into society effectively. The initiative acknowledges the multifaceted needs of RPWUDs, including medical, psychological, economic, and spiritual support, by leveraging resources from various organizations and government agencies.
Legal Basis
The project operates under the guidance of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Regulations No. 6 and 7 series of 2019. These regulations outline the commitment of the Philippine government to aid in the rehabilitation and reintegration of drug dependents.
Significance of the Program
In the Philippines, where drug use is a significant issue, the DSWD’s Yakap-Bayan provides crucial support for Recovering Persons Who Use Drugs (RPWUDs). Through medical care, skills training, family therapy, and community integration, it empowers RPWUDs with a 68% higher chance of staying drug-free and finding employment compared to those who don’t receive intervention. This means that thousands of individuals are able to turn their lives around and reintegrate into society, making a positive impact on the future of the Philippines.
Benefits
The Yakap Bayan’s benefits are multifaceted. It focuses on:
- Reintegration of RPWUDs into the community.
- Enhancement of daily coping mechanisms for RPWUDs post-rehabilitation.
- Educating and empowering families to support the recovery journey.
- Facilitating societal conditions conducive for the RPWUDs’ return to normalcy.
Eligibility / Qualifications
Beneficiaries of the program include:
- Former drug users of any age, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity, post-primary treatment.
- Children who use drugs (CWUDs), voluntary or compulsory admittees, individuals who surrendered or negotiated plea deals, and court-referred clients.
Requirements
Potential participants must:
- Complete primary treatment.
- Be willing to undergo a structured reintegration process.
Programs Under the Yakap Bayan Initiative
Here are some of the services under the DSWD initiative:
- Medical and psychosocial services: This includes detoxification, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, and therapy.
- Livelihood and skills training: This helps RPWUDs develop the skills and knowledge they need to find and keep a job.
- Educational opportunities: This helps RPWUDs continue their education or get the training they need to get a better job.
- Spiritual interventions: This can include religious services, support groups, and other activities that help RPWUDs connect with their spirituality.
- Family support: This includes counseling, education, and support groups for the families of RPWUDs.
- Community engagement: This involves working with communities to create a supportive environment for RPWUDs.
The Yakap Bayan is a collaborative effort between the government, civil society organizations, and faith-based organizations. It is a comprehensive initiative that addresses the medical, social, and economic needs of RPWUDs and their families.
Here are some of the core components of the Yakap Bayan:
- Case management: Each RPWUD is assigned a case manager who works with them to develop a personalized recovery plan.
- Aftercare services: It provides aftercare services to help RPWUDs stay on track with their recovery.
- Community-based rehabilitation: The project emphasizes community-based rehabilitation, which means that services are provided in the communities where RPWUDs live.
- Sustainability: The project is designed to be sustainable, so that it can continue to provide services to RPWUDs even after government funding ends.
The Yakap Bayan has been shown to be effective in helping RPWUDs recover and reintegrate into society. A study published in the journal “Drug and Alcohol Dependence” found that RPWUDs who participated in the initiative were more likely to be abstinent from drugs and employed at follow-up.
How to Apply for DSWD Yakap Bayan
Step 1: Visit the nearest DSWD Field Office for an interview and fill out an application form.
Step 2: If accepted, engage in various activities such as counseling and life skills training for 3 to 9 months.
Support After Completion: Post-program, participants receive continued support, including referrals and reunion efforts.
Success Stories / Recent Updates
DSWD Officially Transfers Yakap Bayan Program to Operations Cluster
In a ceremony held at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City, Undersecretary Denise FB. Bernos-Bragas, outgoing Chairperson of the Yakap Bayan Program (YBP) Technical Working Group, officially handed over the YBP materials to Undersecretary Monina Josefina H. Romualdez, incoming Chairperson of the Operations Cluster. This transfer marks the institutionalization of the YBP as a regular project under the Operations Group, following its successful pilot testing in San Juan, Batangas; Barbaza, Antique; and Glan, Sarangani. Undersecretary Romualdez pledges to provide urgent technical assistance to local government units implementing the project, with the aim of transforming “surrenders” into community leaders.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) are sponsoring the National Orientation on Yakap Bayan from May 29 to June 2 at the Park Inn by Radisson in SM North EDSA, Quezon City. This orientation is in preparation for the initiative’s institutionalization within CY 2024.
The Yakap Bayan, recognized by the DDB, is the DSWD’s main contribution to the implementation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy. It is a community-based Aftercare and Social Reintegration Model that aims to holistically address the needs of Recovering Persons and Children Who Use Drugs from their family and community.
During the opening ceremonies, Secretary Catalino S. Cuy, Chairperson of the DDB, along with other key officials from the DDB, DSWD, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), were present to mark the beginning of the Yakap Bayan.
The DSWD Field Office 1 (FO 1) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Santol, La Union have recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement the Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program (FDAPP). This iniitiative, which aims to educate families and communities about the dangers of drugs, will be a valuable addition to the LGU’s ongoing efforts in drug prevention. The MOA signing ceremony, in compliance with the Omnibus Guidelines on Social Technology (ST) Development, solidifies the partnership between DSWD FO 1 and LGU Santol for the successful implementation of the FDAPP.
Video: The Yakap Bayan Program
In his vision for a better and brighter future for the next generation, former President Rodrigo Duterte aimed to create a comfortable, peaceful, and just society in the Philippines. Recognizing the rampant issues of drugs, crime, and corruption, he launched a massive campaign against illegal drugs upon assuming office. Through the Yakap Bayan Framework of Intervention, the government welcomes surrenderers, providing them with rehabilitation and reintegration support to become better and productive citizens. By weaving together available resources and integrating local culture into the solution, the framework aims to transform surrenderers into leaders, working hand-in-hand to keep the country comfortable, peaceful, and just.
Conclusion
The DSWD Yakap Bayan offers hope to individuals who are working to overcome the challenges of past drug use. It reflects the Philippine government’s dedication to helping its citizens regain dignity and purpose in their lives. By embracing and participating in this initiative, communities can become stronger and more united, embodying the essence of ‘bayanihan’ – the Filipino tradition of communal unity and cooperation.