SuGod marks 10th year

Local

FOR some people recovering from drug dependence, the road to recovery has included faith, community support and a place where they can seek help without being left alone.

That approach has kept Surrender to God (SuGod) going for 10 years, with the Catholic faith-based recovery program marking its anniversary and looking back on more than 2,000 people it has assisted since its launch in 2016.

SuGod opened during the height of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, when the government was intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs.

The program offered a Catholic, faith-based approach to drug recovery and renewal.

Archbishop Emeritus Jose Palma, who was Cebu archbishop when SuGod started, celebrated the Mass that opened the 10th anniversary gathering.

He also gave the program the go-signal when Barino and her colleagues were preparing to launch it.

Businesswoman Fe M. Barino, SuGod’s founder, said the program has assisted more than 2,000 drug-dependent Filipinos since its establishment.

She acknowledged that not everyone who went through the program had the same outcome. Some recovered, while others relapsed, returned to prison, or died.

Despite these challenges, Barino said SuGod has continued its work and is now holding its recovery program every month.

The program initially ran almost every month before its schedule became less frequent, moving to once every three months, six months and eventually once a year.

Barino said SuGod has since returned to monthly sessions, regardless of the number of participants, which can range from two to 20.

“So we are here just to let you know, to let the public know that yes, surrender to God is present,” she said.

Recovery specialist Malyn Cristobal said SuGod’s intervention is specifically based on the Catholic faith.

She said the program accepts people with moderate levels of drug dependence but does not take on severe cases that may require medical intervention, particularly those involving mental health concerns.

Cristobal has also trained SuGod’s facilitators and volunteers.

Rene Francisco, who works in rehabilitation, said people who require more intensive intervention are referred to appropriate rehabilitation or medical services.

Francisco also helped Barino establish the program and prepare its facilitators to deal with people seeking recovery.

Palma said SuGod’s role extends beyond helping participants complete a recovery program, saying it provides a community for people who are struggling with drug dependence.

“Drug addicts or all those who are tormented by this crisis have a home in SuGod,” Palma said.

He recalled the example of Mother Teresa and her emphasis on making people feel loved while helping people in difficult circumstances.

Palma acknowledged that some people who entered the program may not have recovered but said those facing drug dependence should know that they do not have to face the crisis alone.

“But the fact that, as we say now, when you are in such a situation, you do not walk alone,” Palma said. “We are here because we love. We are here because we care. We are here because we want to be of help.”

Palma said he believes the program has made a positive difference over the past decade, even if its full impact can only be known through time and through the grace of God.(MyTVCebu)