Long-Dormant Drug Rehabilitation Center in Pinamungajan, Cebu, Finally Set to Open After Six Years
After sitting completely unused for six years, a fully constructed drug rehabilitation center in the town of Pinamungajan, located in southwest Cebu, is finally poised to open its doors. Following minor repairs, the Provincial Government is actively working to revive this long-idle facility to help address the critical shortage of treatment centers in the region.
Facility Details and Historical Background
The facility, named the New Life Drug Rehabilitation Facility, is situated behind the Pinamungajan District Hospital. Noelie Mae Yañez, Health Education and Promotion Officer III, explained the naming convention: "Dr. Jose Maria Borromeo is the name of our district hospital in Pinamungajan. The lot was donated by the Borromeo family, and it was stated in the deed of donation that, as acknowledgment, the name should be included." She added that the center will be placed under the management of the district hospital to ensure sustainable operations, technically falling under the Provincial Health Office.
Originally donated by Globe Telecom Inc., the rehabilitation center was inaugurated in 2019 but has remained inactive since then. Yañez cited natural disasters over the years as the primary cause of damage to the structure, necessitating repairs before opening. "As the years went by, disasters occurred, such as earthquakes, floods and typhoons. Some tiles need repair, ceilings are sagging and unsuitable plants have grown around the area. We need general cleaning and repairs," she stated.
Repair Efforts and Operational Plans
Engineers from the Provincial Engineering Office recently conducted an inspection of the site to assess the cost of repairs. Yañez noted, "Our engineers conducted an evaluation and costing of what is needed. We are waiting for the report, and our target is to recommend to the Governor the budget required so the facility can be fully operational." She emphasized that this project is a priority of the current provincial administration.
Once operational, the facility will initially cater exclusively to male patients, with a capacity of 50 beds. Yañez explained this decision: "The plan is to admit males only for now since the facility is just starting operations, and security would be more challenging if males and females were housed together."
Impact on Regional Healthcare and Future Prospects
The center is expected to significantly help decongest existing rehabilitation facilities in the region. These include the male Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Argao, operated by the Department of Health (DOH), and the female facility in Jagobiao, Mandaue City. Yañez highlighted the urgency: "The TRC in Argao is always full, and many of its clients are from Cebu province. It is timely that we open so we can better serve our fellow Cebuanos."
Additionally, the facility will accommodate plea-bargain clients and persons deprived of liberty who require inpatient rehabilitation. Yañez added, "Once we open, they can be referred to us, especially if they are from Cebu province. This will ensure they are not kept in jails if they have no other facility to go to." The province is currently finalizing manpower and operational requirements and plans to apply for a license to operate from the DOH once repairs are completed.
