One of the biggest problems in our society is the widespread use of illegal drugs, especially among the youth. Fortunately, there are many programs geared towards this matter, and many drug users eventually decide to surrender and change their lives for the better.
Of course, recovering from drug addiction is not easy, which is why the government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has created the Yakap Bayan Program. In this article, we will discuss what this program is all about, and how it can help transform people’s lives.
Image Credit: Usec Anton Hernandez / Facebook
What is the Yakap Bayan Program?
In 2017, the DSWD developed the “Yakap Bayan Framework of Intervention,” a cyclical recovery and reintegration structure designed for Recovering Persons Who Use Drugs (RPWUDs). The program also involves their families and communities.
Basically, the Yakap Bayan Program is a rehabilitation and reintegration framework for those who are recovering from drug abuse. It was initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte, and is being implemented by the DSWD in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), among other agencies.
Target Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries of the Yakap Bayan Program include:
- Former drug users of any age, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity who have finished primary treatment; and
- Children who use drugs (CWUDs), voluntary and forced admission, surrenderers, plea bargaining, and/or court-mandated clients.
Objectives of the Program
Generally, the Yakap Bayan Program aims to:
- Meet the medical, psychosocial, livelihood, and spiritual needs of RPWUDs through a combination of resources from national government agencies (NGAs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and faith-based organizations (FBOs);
- Incorporate indigenous culture into the provision of services for RPWUDs; and
- Equip local government units (LGUs) to synchronize other community programs such as disaster relief.
Notably, the Social Technology Bureau (STB) of the DSWD also presents the following objectives of the Yakap Bayan Program on its website:
- To provide adequate preparation/transition for reintegration among RPWUDs;
- To enhance the coping capacities of RPWUDs with the demands of their dynamic environment upon return to their communities;
- To facilitate an enabling environment for the transformation of RPWUDs in their communities; and
- To enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of families to serve as co-journeyers of RPWUDs towards recovery.
Components of the Program
In addition, the STB website also listed the following components of the Yakap Bayan Program:
1. Mechanisms for Reintegration
- Mobilization of multidisciplinary teams for case management;
- Holistic psychosocial assessment of clients; and
- Establishment of care for service providers.
2. Self-Management/Self-Mastery
- Sustenance of clients’ self-management skills;
- Prevention of clients’ relapse;
- Formation of peer support groups;
- Development of clients’ capacities for volunteerism and leadership; and
- Provision of alternative livelihood and employment opportunities for clients.
3. Family Strengthening
- Increase of family awareness on anti-illegal drugs;
- Restoration and strengthening of family relationships;
- Provision of alternative livelihood and employment opportunities for families; and
- Provision of auxiliary services for families.
4. Community Support
- Strengthening of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs);
- Facilitation of barangay level participatory learning and action;
- Establishment of local partnerships and networking;
Formation of community auxiliary teams; - Increase of community awareness and support to clients; and
- Establishment of barangay rehabilitation and referral desks.
Stages of the Program
The Yakap Bayan Program is comprised of four (4) phases, which lasts for about three (3) months. Here is an overview of each phase:
1. First Phase
Participants undergo medical and psychological interventions to identify their needs. These include screenings and assessments.
2. Second Phase
The participants are provided vocational training and livelihood opportunities.
3. Third Phase
This phase focuses on building the clients’ coping mechanisms and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports and recreation.
4. Fourth Phase
This phase involves continuous monitoring and follow-up services, like peer mentorship and family counseling.
In addition, the program also provides skills training workshops for the participants’ family members. The length of time and specific interventions to be given shall differ on a case-to-case basis.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for the Yakap Bayan Program, simply go to the DSWD Office that is nearest your location. There, you will be asked to fill up an application form. You will also undergo an interview and evaluation.
Once you are accepted into the program, be sure to participate in the training, counseling sessions, and other activities. Throughout the program, social workers will monitor your progress regularly. After you finish the program, you will still be given ongoing support.
Video: Yakap Bayan Framework
Learn more about the Yakap Bayan Framework by watching this short video, which was shared by DSWD Field Office 1:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions about the Yakap Bayan Program:
1. What is the Yakap Bayan program?
Yakap Bayan is a rehabilitation and reintegration program designed for Recovering Persons Who Use Drugs (RPWUDs). It is implemented by the DSWD, together with the DOH, AFP, PNP, DILG, and other agencies, including civil society organizations and faith-based groups.
2. Who are the target beneficiaries?
Beneficiaries of the program include: (a) former drug users of any age, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity who have finished primary treatment; as well as (b) children who use drugs (CWUDs), voluntary and forced admission, surrenderers, plea bargaining, and/or court-mandated clients.
3. What are the objectives of the program?
The Yakap Bayan Program aims to meet the medical, psychosocial, livelihood, and spiritual needs of RPWUDs. It also seeks to incorporate indigenous culture into the provision of services, while equipping LGUs to synchronize other community programs.
4. How can I apply for the program?
To apply for the program, go to the nearest DSWD Office. You will be asked to fill up a form, before undergoing an interview and evaluation.
5. How can I learn more about the program?
Similarly, you can learn more about the program by going to the DSWD Office that is nearest your location.
Contact Information: DSWD Central Office
If you want to know more about the DSWD’s Yakap Bayan Program and you are based in the NCR, you can get in touch with the DSWD Central Office using the following contact information:
Address: Batasang Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Philippines, 1126
Telephone: (02) 8931 8101 to 07
Website: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Recovering from drug addiction takes time, and the process involves not just the participant, but his/her family and community. By learning more about the Yakap Bayan program, you too can help transform the lives of those who are recovering from drug abuse.
Another major problem in our society today is trafficking. Many Filipinos in different parts of the world are greatly affected by this problem. Fortunately, the government, through the DSWD, has created the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP). Visit this link to know more about it!