I decided to help myself. I will join the Surrender to God Recovery and Renewal Program (SRRP). Because of that, I have a lot of newness and the grace of God with me,” says Roberto (not a real name) about his recovery experience through SRRP at Dangpanan Alang sa Paglaum (DAP)–Center of Hope, Cebu, Central Philippines.

Roberto participated in the six-day faith-based SRRP program for individuals with mild to moderate addiction. After a meaningful graduation ceremony honoring their dedication, Roberto and his fellow graduates will continue their journey in the SRRP Continuing Program, receiving ongoing spiritual support.

The Rafaelito and Fe Barino Foundation, which remains dedicated to offering hope and restoration for drug addiction, held a graduation ceremony for the participants of the Surrender to God Recovery and Renewal Program (SRRP) on October, last year, at the Center of Hope. The event recognized participants who had finished their transformative healing and recovery process.

The six-day, faith-centered program supports those struggling with mild to moderate addiction. The graduation marks a key step in each participant’s recovery, after which graduates transition to the Surrender to God Continuing Program for extended support and spiritual mentorship.

If one is willing to change, the Holy Spirit will guide and be ready to work for him or her. What is needed is a decision to change. The real transformation starts when one says “yes” to God.

SURRENDER TO GOD

The Surrender to God (SuGod) Recovery and Renewal Program (SRRP) was started by Fe Mantuhac Barino, together with her husband, Rafaelito Barino, both Catholic laypersons and entrepreneurs. With a focus on addiction recovery and family healing, they are assisting drug addicts in making a fresh start. “Their path to recovery starts with a single step, and we are here to walk with them,” Fe said. “It is God’s plan and opportunity for them to rebuild their lives, together with their families.”

SRRP is a six-day faith-based intervention for mild to moderate cases of addiction. This comprehensive program is designed for individuals ready to embark on their journey toward healing, renewal, and hope, with professional guidance, support, and prayers.

Fe’s initiative has been helping drug addicts recover for the last nine years. Last year, the Center of Hope celebrated nearly a decade of faith-based addiction recovery services meant for all–regardless of their faith background and social standing. The milestone event featured Holy Mass and brought together key figures, including founders Fe and Rafaelito, along with community leaders, program consultants, and other stakeholders.

A few months ago, the new Dangpanan Alang sa Paglaum (DAP), or A Center of Hope, was inaugurated. The new DAP Center offers comprehensive recovery services, including the flagship SuGod Recovery and Renewal Program, counseling, life skills classes, and ongoing support for individuals and families facing addiction challenges. The program paves the way for their reintegration with their families and restarts their livelihood options. 

CENTER OF HOPE

Founded on August 14, 2016, amidst the nation’s focus on drug rehabilitation, the Center of Hope stands as a testament to faith-based recovery and renewal in Barangay (village) Canamucan, Compostela, Cebu. Fe, with the support of the former Archbishop of Cebu, Jose S. Palma, initiated DAP, which offers a comprehensive outpatient intervention to address drug addiction and provide holistic community-centered support.

For the last nine years, the center has been a symbol of hope and healing in Cebu. “There is hope in recovery from drug addiction,” says Fe, a leading Catholic lay leader and chair of the Commission on the Laity for the Archdiocese of Cebu.

Additionally, she serves as the national coordinator for CHARIS (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service) Philippines. She also represents Asia on the CHARIS International Service of Communion Council, a Vatican-approved Catholic charismatic organization.

“DAP is a testament of faith, hope, and love. Miracles do happen in God’s people, and God uses instruments. Nothing happens by accident,” says Fe. “These are all part of God’s plan. Congratulations to all the hardworking and committed individuals who made these things possible,” she adds.

Rooted in the belief that true transformation begins with surrendering to God, understanding addiction, and deciding to change, DAP’s core offering is the Surrender to God Recovery and Renewal Program. This program, along with its Continuing Care counterpart, provides vital faith-based intervention and sustained support for individuals and families impacted by addiction.

Since its inception, DAP has touched the lives of over 2,000 participants, including inmates at the Cebu City Jail and residents of Cuaming Island in Bohol and other parts of the country. Adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program continued its vital work, offering technical skills training alongside its core recovery services.

DAP’s success is underpinned by a strong network of partners, including the Love of God Community, Rafaelito and Fe Barino Foundation Inc., SuGod Foundation, LivingFree Foundation, Community of Mary Mother of Mercy, and Dr. Emmanuel Hermano’s Psychotherapeutics Clinic, alongside numerous other corporate, individual, and volunteer partners.

There are many men and women, priests and nuns, bishops, professionals, and people of goodwill who are always praying and supporting the smooth running of the program. These collaborations enable DAP to offer a wide range of programs and services, including Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminars, life skills classes, community support groups, peer support, counseling and guidance, and prayer support.

DAP welcomes all Pilgrims of  Hope individuals seeking a fresh start, feeling broken yet brave enough to try, looking for support and friendship, wanting to grow closer to God, and dedicated to changing their lives for the better.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Dangpanan Alang sa Paglaum is more than just a recovery center; it is a community where hearts are healed, lives are changed, and communities grow stronger. Located in Barangay (village) Canamucan, Compostela, Cebu, it stands as a symbol for optimism, healing, and new beginnings.

Over the last nine years, many have benefited from DAP. One of them is Michael (not his real name), a former drug addict for almost 24 years. His journey through Surrender to God (SuGod) turned his life around–from battling substance addiction to becoming a devoted family man.

His story is truly an inspiring tale of transformation–a testament that with faith in God, hope, and support, change is indeed possible, provided one is open to God and never gives up in life. Michael’s life took a turn when he joined the Surrender to God program.

“I experienced a life-changing miracle that restored my relationships in my family and deepened my intimate walk with God,” said Michael. “I am grateful that in this journey of recovery, so many people accompanied me.”

SuGod truly helped transform his life, instilling consistency and discipline in his journey and filling his days with purpose, direction, and hope. Now, he’s committed to helping others change through his testimony. He continues to walk in God’s grace, staying strong against relapse, and trusting in the Lord’s plans for his future. Nothing is impossible to God–with faith, surrender, and perseverance, lives can be rebuilt, hearts can be healed, and hope can be fully restored.

HOPE IN RECOVERY

Speaking about the story of transformation as seen in the life of Michael, Fe says, “There is hope in recovery from drug addiction.” If Michael can change and recover his life with the help of God and others, any drug addict can do it, says Fe.

What is crucial is that individuals’ dependence on substances can end, and they need opportunities, facilities, and guidance for recovery to heal themselves and their families. Therefore, they must hold onto hope and rely on God with humility, trust, and openness.

In this journey of recovery and healing, family members are considered. Once a drug addict is healed and recovered, he or she has to be reintegrated into his or her family so that they accept him or her back and they live and work together for the common good.

“We alone must take responsibility for our recovery and do the internal work. No one else can do it for us, but we cannot sustain that healing without connection, support, and vulnerability with others. True transformation requires both the courage to own our journey and the humility to ask for help,” says Bro. Norman Tudtud on Recovery and Healing.

He is one of the mentors of the Surrender to God Recovery and Renewal Program. “I alone can do it, but I cannot do it alone. This is what we tell every participant who comes here to recover and heal,” he says.