USM-ISPEAR Collaborates with Matalam LGU, RHU, and PNP for an AFTERCARE PROJECT

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USM participates in the DOST 12’s National Science and Technology Week Regional Celebration
October 19, 2022
Innovative USM @68: USM’s first Technology Forum and Product Exhibition
October 26, 2022

The Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM-ISPEAR) is again tapped to partner with the Matalam Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU), Rural Health Unit (RHU), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for an AFTERCARE PROJECT. The project will involve 228 Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDS) from the 25 Barangays of Matalam, Cotabato. 

How it all started

After Care is one of the support projects of the Local Government Units for Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDS), who surrendered and committed to keeping away from illegal drug practices. Participation in this program is one of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) requirements for them to be removed from the watchlist. However, these individuals should complete the six-month Community-Based Rehabilitation Program before being qualified to avail of the project. 

The project goal may be old, but the approach and activities implemented to help PWUDs and make USM a partner are new. In fact, its two-year success made it become a regular Makilala PNP project to help persons who used drugs (PWUDs); hence the partnership was known to Matalam PNP.

Consultation Meetings with LGU-Matalam PNP

On October 3-7, 2022, the USM ISPEAR, the PNP Chief of Police, PLTCOL Arniel C. Melocotones, and the Rural Health Unit head, Liezel D. Solivar R.N, MAN, had a series of consultation meetings and community visits. The discussions during the meeting and visits identified specific services for the UniK Extension program to be provided by the Institute of Sports Physical Education and Recreation for Wellness, College of Trades and Industry, and College of Agriculture for Livelihood training.  It is envisioned that the collaboration of USM and LGU Matalam will provide knowledge and skills that will impact the quest of PWUDS for a brighter tomorrow. The USM-ISPEAR and LGU Matalam PNP will implement the project from November to December 2022.

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