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YAKAP BAYAN PROGRAM PILOT IMPLEMENTATION IN MANOLO FORTICH SUCCESSFULLY SEES 57 RPWUDs
LGU Manolo Fortich successfully implemented the Yakap Bayan Program, recognizing 57 Recovered Persons Who Use Drugs (RPWUDs) for completing a three-month holistic rehabilitation and reintegration program toward a drug-free community.
The plight of drug use and addiction in Manolo Fortich finally sees a potential end or decrease as the pilot implementation of the Yakap Bayan Program officially recognized its 57 graduates or Recovered Persons Who Use Drugs (RPWUDs) during their graduation ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Municipal Gymnasium, Tankulan, Manolo Fortich.
Anti-Drug Abuse Programs in Manolo Fortich
Drug use has been a consistent threat in Manolo Fortich for the past years. However, in a recent update by the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) during its 3rd Quarter Meeting on July 30, 2025, it was reported that 19 out of 22 barangays are now declared drug-cleared.
From Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) to Recovered Persons Who Use Drugs (RPWUDs), these individuals are under close monitoring by the Community-Based Rehabilitation and Wellness Program (CBRP) of the Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich.
Among the benefits under the CBRP is participation in the Yakap Bayan Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). According to Manolo Fortich Yakap Bayan Program Focal Person John Rey Obligado, the program focused on a variety of modules aimed at developing the RPWUDs, “Ang tumong niini ang paghatag og holistic na tabang sa mga RPWUDS nga naglakip sa pisikal, emosyonal, social, ug spiritual nga pagkaayo or benepisyo kanila.”
Yakap Bayan Program’s Support for RPWUDs
The Yakap Bayan Program’s pilot implementation began with its kick-off activity on August 29, 2025, and featured 12 modules over three months, covering topics such as:
- Personal growth
- Familial relationships
- Community involvement
- Livelihood
Among the 57 RPWUDs, 31 individuals were court-ordered by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) to undergo the program as part of their reportorial requirement.
Partner agencies and offices that contributed to the success of the program include the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Manolo Fortich Philippine National Police (MF PNP), Municipal Health Office (MHO), and the RTC.
In his life testimony, “Jones,” 45 years old, a Yakap Bayan Program completer, shared the transformation he experienced, “Diri na programa nasugdan gyud una akong kaugalingon. Nadiskubre nako akong self-confidence, self-value, self-awareness, ug relasyon sa akong pamilya, spiritual, ug daghan pa gyud improvement akong nakita sa akong self.”
Succeeding Steps for the RPWUDs
The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) will conduct close monitoring of the graduates to ensure their continued holistic development.
The Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich has also partnered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide employment and livelihood support for the RPWUDs. They have secured slots for skills training in this year’s 4th Livelihood Summit.
Additionally, each graduate received ₱2,500 cash assistance as part of their reintegration support.
Eradicating drug abuse in Manolo Fortich remains a top priority of Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño’s administration. Aligned with this vision, the local government is committed to providing recovery, rehabilitation, and a second chance in life for the RPWUDs.
The Yakap Bayan Program will now be implemented annually in the municipality as part of its ongoing efforts to combat the adverse effects of drug use and to secure a healthier, drug-free future for all Manoleños.
Jam Emano
Editor
Date Posted: November 13, 2025
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