illegal substance

IN THE 22 years of the Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents (DCTRCDD), it is eyeing to have an outpatient/aftercare facility for continuous monitoring of former substance dependents.

During the iSpeak Media Forum on Thursday, CTRCDD officer-in-charge Dr. Michelle Schlosser said the outpatient/aftercare facility is necessary to continue recovery even after reintegration.

“We are looking forward to having our own outpatient clinic, because the rehabilitation phase for in-patients by law is for at least six months, so we take them in,” Schlosser said.

She explained that the six-month duration also depends on their performance inside.

Following the six months, the reintegration into society for every drug dependent starts at 18 months, which reduces the likelihood of the patients going into relapse.

“We are hoping there will be no recidivism or relapse or that they will not go back to their old ways of using or pushing drugs and engage in illicit jobs,” she said, adding that patients with no support system or access to help will likely discontinue the process.

With the outpatient/aftercare facility, the persons with substance use disorder will be monitored from time to time and ensure their full recovery.

The official said completing the necessary documents and accreditations for the outpatient clinic is underway, in partnership with the Department of Health. 

The DCTRCDD turned 22 years old on Oct. 30, 2025, and continued to provide holistic care to persons with substance use disorder, offering a structured in-house rehabilitation program.

Currently, the center houses 92 residents, with 84 adults and the rest are youth, the oldest being 58 years old, and the youngest 14. The facility has a 100-bed capacity.

The official said the center is the only center to have zero to minimal fees for those who wish to be admitted.

The categories will be assessed by the social worker, where Category A: P10,000 per month;  Category B: P5,000; Category C on the poverty line, P2,500 per month; and the indigents are free of charge.

Persons are admitted through voluntary admission or walk-ins and plea bargains with the Order from the Court.

Along with the outpatient clinic, it also aims to create an app developed by IT experts for smooth monitoring of every dependent discharged. Both developments are estimated to require P7-10 million to operate.

Schlosser said it is still in the proposal level, as it will also require a city ordinance for implementation and funding.