The Philippines has witnessed a harsh and commanding crackdown on drugs. While many in the  international community have criticized the country's actions, China on the other hand, has taken a different approach by helping in rehabilitation campaigns and funding the construction of rehab centers. This comes under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and a policy that looks to focus on people-to-people relations.

When 36-year-old Peewee, a self-confessed drug user, learned about a new drug rehabilitation center the Philippine government was running, he didn't think twice about checking himself in, even though it was far from home. 

“Rehab is often expensive. Even other government-run rehab centers’ services are not completely free. I did some research and found out rehab is free here.” said the man. 

That's besides fear for his life, as thousands have been killed either by police or unidentified assailants since President Duterte launched a serious war against illegal drugs. More importantly, however, he says he feared losing his family. 

“I had lost my job. I lost self-respect. I became an irresponsible parent. So I realized I needed help.” He added. This facility isn't called the Mega Drug Rehabilitation Center for nothing. With a maximum capacity of 10,000, it's the largest in the world, and it was built using Chinese money. 

Police have repeatedly deflected criticism by citing the more than one million drug suspects who have surrendered, saying those who have been killed are a tiny fraction. Despite those numbers though, this giant rehab center has just over two hundred residents. 

But, it appears more drug rehabilitation facilities of this size are set to open in other parts of the country – one of which has already broken ground and will be funded by China.