The Cebu Provincial Government is moving forward with plans to open a long-delayed drug rehabilitation facility in Pinamungajan, aiming to expand access to treatment for individuals struggling with substance use.
Once operational, the facility—located within the compound of Dr. Jose Ma. V. Borromeo Memorial Hospital—will become the first drug rehabilitation center directly managed by the provincial government.
Officials said the center is part of a broader strategy to meet growing demand for rehabilitation services and reduce overcrowding in existing government-run treatment facilities across Cebu.
The new center, named the New Life Cebu Drug Rehabilitation Center, will operate under the Cebu Provincial Health Office, ensuring medical supervision and long-term sustainability.
Noelie Mae Yañez, Health Education and Promotion Officer of the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Division (CPADAD), said the project has been prioritized by Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s administration to make treatment more accessible to Sugbuanons in need.
Originally donated by Globe Telecom and inaugurated in 2019, the facility remained unused due to operational and logistical challenges.
Yañez explained that repeated calamities over the years caused structural damage, delaying the center’s opening.
“Supposedly ready na unta to ang facility, but as the years went by, naa juy mga disasters nga nahitabo, so medyo nay mga damage and need jud ang repair,” she said.
Engineers from the Provincial Engineering Office recently inspected the site to assess the extent of repairs needed and determine funding requirements.
The provincial government is awaiting a technical report, which will guide budget allocation and the facility’s implementation timeline.
Once repaired, the province plans to secure a license to operate from the Department of Health central office.
The center has a capacity of 50 beds and will initially accept male clients only, citing security and operational considerations.
“The plan is for male lang usa ni nga rehab center kay ga start pa man, unya lisod sad ang security if mag-abot ang male ug female,” Yañez added.
Occupying roughly 2,000 square meters within the two-hectare hospital property, the facility is situated at the back of the district hospital compound.
Provincial officials said the center will help relieve pressure on existing treatment centers, particularly the male rehab facility in Argao, which is currently operating at full capacity with a waiting list of clients.
Public health consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan said the program will adopt an evidence-based treatment model within a hospital setting, combining medical care, psychological support, and structured recovery interventions.
Catalan emphasized that the initiative reflects the province’s commitment to maximize available government resources while strengthening its long-term response to substance abuse.
A recent coordination meeting led by CPADAD brought together representatives from the Department of Health, Provincial Health Office, engineering officials, and mental health professionals to ensure alignment on operational standards and regulatory compliance.
Officials said the center is expected to offer structured treatment programs, continuous medical oversight, and professional counseling, ensuring that clients receive holistic care designed to support sustained recovery. (SBA)
