MOA for the Implementation of the Yakap Bayan Program in Batangas, signed

by Thiago Santos June 2, 2021 Governor DoDo Mandanas (Photo from Batangas PIO) ...

by Thiago Santos
June 2, 2021

Governor DoDo Mandanas (Photo from Batangas PIO)

BATANGAS CITY - At the request of Governor DoDo Mandanas, the Batangas Provincial Government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of the Yakap Bayan Program in the Province of Batangas on May 27, 2021, with the goal of assisting former drug addicts in changing and becoming active citizens of society.

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place on May 27, 2021, and was led by Governor DoDo Mandanas, who is also running for Chairperson of Batangas PADAC, as well as DSWD representatives including Undersecretary Jose Antonio Hernandez, CALABARZON Regional Director Marcelo Nicomedes Castillo, and Nolibelyn Macabagdal, Social Welfare Officer IV of the DSWD Social Technology Bureau.



The Yakap Bayan Program is a “framework of intervention” that will respond to give the opportunity to Recovering Persons Who Have Used Drugs (RPWUDs) or are aware of life due to drugs who have regained their place in society, to be transformed in their respective family, and to be a partner in community improvement through active citizenship.

According to Usec. Hernandez, it is also part of President Rodrigo Duterte's “commitment to implement” mandate for the government's entire strategy, which the program targets to support RPWUDSs for continuous change.



Aside from the program's goal of promoting family development and social cohesion, it also includes disaster resilience and response as an aspect or as a vehicle of change for RPWUDs. The advocates for disaster risk reduction will provide them with the opportunity to develop a sense of responsibility and ownership.

Medical services, health and fitness therapy, detoxification, life skills development, biomedical monitoring, counseling, and psychological, spiritual, and behavioral interventions are some of the other services that can be used.



Meanwhile, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Jocelyn Montalbo attended the reception to discuss the Yakap Bayan Program of their office's Technical Assistance Plan for the program's implementation and maintenance in the province of Batangas.

Governor DoDo Mandanas expressed his gratitude to the DSWD officials, emphasizing the beauty of the project and how much it aids the province in its efforts to combat illegal drugs while also caring for their victims. As a result, the stigma and stereotypes associated with former drug addicts will be reduced, if not eliminated.