CMDI promotes vice-free community

The Guidance and Counseling Office and the School Clinic organized a seminar for staff and students about Drug Abuse and Alcoholism Awareness with the theme, “Pinusuan ang ka-bisyo, ikaw ay naperwisyo.” on March 6, 2017 at the CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI), Brgy. Tranca, Bay, Laguna.

Dr. Edzel Ramos, Vice President for Training and Development, opened the program and reminded the students, “Always think of the consequences of your actions and say no to drugs,” and he added, “We are doing this because we want to instill discipline.”

Dr. Edzel Ramos, CMDI Vice President for Training and Development, welcomed the senior high school and college students to the seminar on Drug Abuse and Alcoholism Awareness where he advised the students to stay away from drugs and vices. (Photo by: Jeff Abellera)

Meanwhile, Ms. Analeen Suelto, Program Coordinator of the Degree Educational Partnership (DEP), delivered an emotional and inspiring message as she shared her family’s experiences in living with an alcoholic father. “Let us all be wise in choosing what we want in life,” she expressed.

Ms. Analeen Suelto, Program Coordinator of DEP, gave an inspirational message where she shared her family story. (Photo by Jeff Abellera)

Drug addiction is one of the alarming problems in the country which contributes to increasing crime rates. It is estimated that three million people are addicted to drugs, according to the latest report of the Philippine Enforcement Drug Agency (PDEA, 2016).

“We conducted this seminar in line with the Drug Awareness Month mandated by the Philippine government and this is very timely due to its alarming and rising cases,” said Ms. Jenny Casano, Registered Guidance Counselor and resource person. The half-day seminar aims to: 1.) enhance students’ awareness on the root causes of drug addiction and gateways to substance use; 2.) to increase youth’s understanding on the psychological, social and health effects of alcoholism, cigarrete smoking, and drug addicition; and 3.) promote drug-free communities through information dissemination.

In addition, Ms. Casano discussed and cited the following: 1.) commonly abused drugs in the country such as marijuana, heroin, shabu, ecstasy, and cocaine; 2.) causes of drug addiction which starts with curiosity, peer pressure, experimentation, sense of pleasure and other contributing factors; 3.) psychological, physical, social, and health effects of drug dependency, drug abuse, substance overdose, and drug addiction; 4.) medical, legal, social, and economic consequences of drug addiction; and 5.) medical therapy or rehabilitation.

In the second part of the seminar, Dr. Ria Rabano, School Doctor and Resource Person, focused on the various risks and ill effects of alcoholism and chain smoking as the gateways to drug addiction. “I encourage you to quit smoking and drinking because it will not do anything good for you. Don’t even try these vices,” she emphasized.

“I hope that you’ll be able to share what you’ve learned especially to your families in order to promote a drug-free community which is a challenge for all of us,” according to Ms. Glenda Lagarile, Deputy Director of DEP, as she concluded the program.

Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to the resource speakers. From left to right: Ms. Glenda Lagarile, Deputy Director of DEP, Ms. Jenny Casano, Registered Guidance Counselor and Resource Person; Dr. Ria Rabano, School Doctor and Resource Person; and Ms. Analeen Suelto, Program Coordinator of DEP. (Photo by Iya Aspiras)

By Dianne B. Ubaldo