INDONESIA and Thailand, two of our Southeast Asian neighbors plagued by the drug menace have come up with two noteworthy models we can emulate or take a page from.
In Bandung, a boxing program blended with rehabilitation has been offered in a grassroots gym.
It?s called Pine House, an initiative of five recovered addicts and it has provided a safe haven for drug dependents eager to leave behind a dark, sordid past without having to deal with the harsh social stigma.
Its poster boy? Indonesia?s featherweight champion, Jundullah Muhammad Fausan.
In Thailand?s notorious Golden Triangle where crystal met amphetamine has now become the substance of choice, The Temple of the Golden Horse has reached out to victims of the drug menace.
Its resident monks have become social workers of sorts, teaching Thai boxing, meditation and horse back riding to drug addicts.
DEARTH. In our local setting, the harsh reality is that there is a dearth of rehabilitation centers that can cater to drug addicts.
In part 1 of this column, I made reference to the growing number of addicts nationwide who have surrendered and professed their willingness to turn a new leaf.
In the days that followed, I was not surprised to read daily news reports about drug addicts and pushers voluntarily surrendering either to police authorities or local government officials.
That only means that President Duterte has to act soon so that a comprehensive rehab ?boxing hybrid program can be formulated and put in place all over the country.
BOXING. Why boxing, you say? Any form of exercise will actually do, but I endorse boxing for the following reasons:
1. There?s no denying its popularity among the general populace. Aside from it being our only source of Olympic medals so far, Manny Pacquiao and several world champions before him have made sure that the whole world would take notice of the excellent boxing pedigree we have;
2. It?s affordable and not space consuming. A few bags, mitts, gloves and a makeshift ring is all that is needed to start the ball rolling;
3. It teaches discipline and mental toughness, two traits that a recovering addict sorely needs. In team sports like basketball, you can always substitute a player or call a timeout. No such thing in boxing. Running out of breath? Sorry no subs. Finish the fight, quit or get knocked out. Things not going your way? Sorry no timeouts. Grit your teeth, survive the round.
4. Who knows if the next world champion is just around that corner? Help him get rid of that sachet and tin foil and hand him some gloves and a mouthpiece instead.
We are riding high on the crest of a relentless anti-crime and anti-drug wave. This is our chance to make it right.
We owe this to our youth to give them opportunities for second chances.
VERBATIM. ?The last time I had major doubts going into a fight, I would have to say it was when I fought Rampage Jackson?. ?Jon Jones (www.MMAFighting.com)
LAST ROUNDS. Are on my cousin James Wahu and a good friend, Ariel Jabonero, who recently celebrated their birthdays. Cheers!
