Philipino Muslim Community To Establish First Rehab

In an effort to assist government re-incorporate drug addicts into the society, the Ayala foundation has signed a partnership deal with the Marawi city government and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Minandao (ARMM) which will see the establishment of the Philippines’s first ever Muslim-community based rehab center. The facility which has been hinted will be called ‘Siyapen’ which means ‘care’ in Maranao, will have bed space for 70 in-patients but will also provide services to out-patients. Siyapen which will be occupying an already existing building owned by the city government of Marawi, will provide opportunities for the patients to engage in re-creational activities and also enjoy visits from loved ones which helps the recovery process. The proximity of the facility to a Masjid and a close coordination with the Imam is hoped will enhance the spiritual cleansing of the patients. The construction arm of Ayala Land Inc; Makati Development Corp (MDC) will refurbish the facility from January to April after which the facility will be handed over to the city government of Marawi. The president of the Ayala Foundation, Ruel Manaran said during the signing ceremony, “In building Siyapen, we hope to provide a space where person-centered recovery is made first priority, thereby paving the way for meaningful reintegration into society. We believe that the Siyapen Center will contribute significantly to the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents in ARMM, primarily in Marawi City”. Marawi is estimated to have over 600 drug addicts.