ODYSSEY – it depicts a PSUD’s journey toward healing and recovery
(Left photo) Dunn Donald Atayde Asencio – Founder of ODYSSEY and Reena Uttamchandani co-founder / President, ODYSSEY of Baguio. Photo by: Mario Oclaman //FNS
ODYSSEY, how it was started? It was roughly 15 years ago, then the idea of putting up an institution that will serve Persons with Substance Use Disorder (PSUDs) first came to mind. That was set aside as Dunn Donald Atayde Asencio pursued other fields of interest.
In 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic placed entire humanity at a standstill and forcefully restricted the freedom people used to enjoy.
Dunn out of boredom unintentionally rediscovered that idea. And that changed the course of his life. Late in November 2020, Dunn started to put plans into action.
First, he presented his idea to people who happen to share the same vision. With the approval and support of a business partner Reena Uttamchandani, giving him reassurance, Dunn then started pooling resources and manpower.
He got in touch with people who have experience in this kind of undertaking. For Dunn and Reena, the foundation of the facility is built on three things — right timing, right people, and right intention.
They thought that it is just proper to name the center ODYSSEY because it depicts a PSUD’s journey toward healing and recovery. Choosing Baguio as the hub of its treatment and rehabilitation facility is a no-brainer.
For them, the city is ideal because of its laidback pace of life, affordable cost of living, cold climate, and most of all, an environment that he thinks is therapeutic owing to the city’s mountain resort vibe. The center, located along Brent Road exudes the allure of an American colonial home, a cottage types wooden abode.
Its interiors are warm and homey, indeed a perfect home for individuals who are away from their families. Compliance with the requirements of putting up a treatment and rehabilitation institution posed a huge challenge to the team. But each member of the team never ran out of hope. The thought of helping this marginalized sector of society gave them the reason to pursue this endeavor.
Though the process took quite some time and effort, getting a DOH (Department of Health) Accreditation in January 2022 is an affirmation to their relentless dedication. For the people who spent sweat and tears in order for the center to formalize its operations, the said accreditation has added credibility to their noble cause. With everything to place highly qualified manpower, a comprehensive and impressive program above par facilities and amenities, a DOH accreditation, and the selfless determination to serve—Odyssey opened its doors to the PSUD, ready to join them and guide them to full recovery and witness them reintegrate and become productive citizens of the society.
Mission: To provide the best possible quality service and treatment to Persons with Substance Use Disorder (PSUD) and ensure optimal Rehabilitation while equipping them with life skills as they reintegrate into society and become productive citizens.
Vision: To serve as a beacon of hope for PSUDs and their families as it aims to establish accredited satellite facilities here and in other foreign countries in a span of three years and be the most preferred center of choice for treatment and rehabilitation. ###
