Sitio Maag, Barangay Penaplata, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS)
Davao Del Norte
February 24, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte witnessed the ceremonial turnover of the key of the Federation of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) rehabilitation facility (counseling center) to the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) in Davao del Norte.

 In his keynote address, President Duterte reiterated his sentiments as president and his war against drugs. “Mine is to preserve the Filipino nation…that I will protect and defend the Constitution of the Philippines, and the Filipino people,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude on the project donated by the FFCCCII, “my eternal gratitude to our Chinese brothers…let us rejoice that there are still people to look our way in the light of what we have done and for helping us out and try to rehabilitate our countrymen,” he remarked.

According to Mayor Eduardo Bangayan and FFCCCII Regional Director, “the FFCCCII has come together to answer the call of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, to effect the change we have long wanted. For the welfare of our community, families and children, I have donated this rehab center to the federation as support to those life who are put in danger because of illegal drug use…may the Samaleños and Davaoeños make good use of this rehab center to heal those in need of healings and eventually prepare them to immerse back to the society as a good citizen.

The one-storey building rehabilitation facility project is worth P600,000.00 and is the first of the fifteen (15) committed buildings by the FFCCCII to be completed in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

It would serve as a center for counselling and other related activities concerning the rehabilitation process of illegal drug dependents in IGACOS. This is a huge help for the 1,186 recorded Samaleños involved in drugs who surrendered. They vowed to change their way of life and participate in the government’s programs against drugs.

The event was attended by Chief Presidential Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo, national and local government officials, FFCCCII members, and other invited guests in IGACOS.

***