Angeles City — A renewed sense of hope and second chances fills Barangay Pandan as 27 individuals successfully completed the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program, a key initiative of the Angeles City Government through the Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ACADAC). Under the leadership of Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, the city continues to strengthen its campaign for rehabilitation, reintegration, and the creation of drug-free communities.
The graduates include 13 participants from the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program, 10 under the Plea Bargain Program, 3 from the After Care Program of the Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation Center, and 1 from the TODA Program. Each participant’s journey represents a triumph of perseverance, personal growth, and the transformative power of community support.
Mayor Lazatin lauded the accomplishments of the graduates, emphasizing that the city’s rehabilitation efforts are grounded in compassion and inclusivity. He highlighted that providing second chances not only rebuilds lives but also strengthens families and communities across Angeles City.
The success of the Barangay Pandan program was made possible through the collaboration of several offices and agencies, including the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Health Office (CHO), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ACDRRMO), AIDS Council, and the City Agriculture Office. Their united efforts continue to drive the city’s vision of maintaining drug-cleared barangays.
Beyond rehabilitation, the program also focuses on skills development, counseling, and values formation, equipping graduates with the tools to reintegrate into society as responsible, productive citizens. This holistic approach ensures that recovery is sustained through livelihood opportunities and moral empowerment.
Community leaders and facilitators expressed pride in the graduates’ achievements, noting how the program has become a model for effective and compassionate rehabilitation. They also reaffirmed their commitment to extending continuous guidance and support to ensure lasting recovery and reintegration.
The success of Barangay Pandan’s rehabilitation program reflects Angeles City’s broader commitment to creating a drug-free, inclusive, and compassionate community. Through shared responsibility and collective action, the city continues to pave the way for renewed lives and a brighter, safer future for all Angeleños.
