MANILA – The country’s first local government unit-operated drug rehabilitation center opened in La Union province on Sept. 12.
The inauguration of the out-patient drug rehabilitation center in Agoo, La Union coincided with the opening of “Balay Silangan”, a satellite office and reformation center of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) near the rehab center.
“Balay Silangan” is the first reformation center established in Northern Luzon which will serve as a temporary shelter for drug dependents who surrendered to authorities and who are in the process of rehabilitation.
“Drug offenders here are given livelihood skills training and various reformatory programs to prepare them to become renewed and productive citizens in their reintegration to the society,” said La Union 2nd District Rep. Sandra Y. Eriguel.
The projects were made possible under the leadership of Agoo Mayor Stefanie Eriguel and Rep. Eriguel in cooperation with PDEA, the Department of Health and other agencies.
Undersecretary Jimmy L. Manabat of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission attended the inauguration of the two facilities. He was joined by Director Ismael G. Fajardo Jr., Deputy Director for General Administration of PDEA, La Union Governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III and PDEA Regional Director Bryan B. Babang.
The projects are in support to the centerpiece campaign of President Rodrigo R. Duterte against the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.
The drug rehabilitation center and the PDEA-Satellite Office and Reformation Center will cater to the needs of misguided citizens of La Union and nearby towns of Pangasinan. (PR/PNA)