Del Rosario reaps DDB recognition

The Dangerous Drugs Board under the office of the President conferred the Chairman’s Medal of Merit on Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario for his invaluable support to the government’s anti-drug campaign.
DDB Undersecretary Clarence Paul Oaminal personally pinned the medal on the governor during the provincial launch of the Kabarkada Kontra Droga at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan, Tagum City held recently in celebration of the anti-drug prevention and control week.
The recognition cited Gov. Rosario for his “invaluable support for, and dedication to the anti-drug campaign of the Board” for having established the Luntiang Paraiso Regional Drug Rehabilitation Center (LPRRC) as the only LGU-operated and managed rehab center in the country that is duly accredited by the Department of Health.
Oaminal explained that among the 80 provinces in the country, only Davao del Norte operates and manages the LGU-owned rehabilitation center.
He said that one important aspect in the fight against drugs is treatment and rehabilitation.
While some rehabilitation centers exist in some provinces, he clarified that these are being maintained and managed by national government agencies, with only a meager counterpart provided by LGUs.
“These LGUs do not exclusively provide for the upkeep of these local rehab centers, unlike in Davao del Norte where the province completely takes care of the operation of the center, of course with the support of the national government,” he said.  
Gov. Del Rosario established the center in 2001, coining the name ‘Luntiang Paraiso’ himself to emphasize that the center is a place for renewal.
Secretary Vicente Sotto III signed the recognition before he resigned as chairman of the DDB early this last month in order to run as senator under the National People’s Coalition.