TACLOBAN CITY– The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-8 reported that they are offering the ‘Balay Silangan’ reformation center for drug user surrenderers.
The Balay Silangan, funded by local government units, gives temporary shelter to reform drug users into competent and law-abiding members of society, Rogelette Urgel, PDEA regional information officer, said.
“Currently, there are 20 existing Balay Silangan in the region. This is a reformation center to change their thinking that there are other solutions other than selling drugs to have an income,” she said.
The program gives training interventions, moral recovery activities, and livelihood skills programs which they could use after completing the 6 months reformation, among others.
“Completers will still be monitored by the PNP and PDEA and when caught involved in drugs again, Balay Silangan will no longer grant chances,” Urgel emphasized.
The 20 existing Balay Silangan in the region are located in the municipalities of Daram, Jiabong, Hinabangan, Gandara, Tarangan, Pagsanghan, Sta. Margarita, and in the cities of Catbalogan and Calbayog, all in Samar; Biliran; Padre Burgos, Anahawan, and Sogod, all in Southern Leyte; Abuyog, Barugo, Bato, all in Leyte; and Laoang in Northern Samar.
(HAZEL LLANETA, LNU Student Intern)
