NEWS

NCAF organizes Journey to Recovery for Diocese of Novaliches

The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation organized the first Journey retreat-seminar for Persons with Substance Use Disorder (PSUDs) for the Diocese of Novaliches. Entitled “Journey with God on the Road to Recovery”, the seminar was held on December 5-6, 2017 at the St. Paul of Chartres Vigil House in Taytay, Rizal for thirty (30) PSUDs who are parishioners from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy, and San Antonio de Padua Parish.

The participants, who have previously undergone rehabilitation programs run by local community and parish leaders, listened to recovering PSUDs—Ms. Jackie Tuason and Mr. Frederick Aguilar—who shared their respective stories of drug abuse and journey towards rebuilding their lives.

Psychologists Blessie de Asis and Dindi Sandoval from the Maria Lourdes Arellano Carandang (MLAC) Institute for Psychosocial Services spoke to the participants about the proper way to confront one’s needs and inner trauma. They also conducted basic therapy activities.

During the seminar, the PSUDs were given plenty of opportunities to share their own experiences among their groupmates, as well as moments of silence to reflect on their own stories.

At the end of the seminar, the PSUDs revealed through an evaluation tool that they felt grateful to be given the time and attention amidst the mistakes they had committed. One said that the program helped her realize that she can still turn away from the wrongs she had done with the help of those who care about her. Another affirmed that it is through faith and the grace of God that they will be able to continue on their path to recovery.