SAN SIMON, Pampanga – A community-based reformation center called “Balay Silangan” or House of Hope intended for the use and rehabilitation of drug offenders was formally turned over and opened here on Monday.
Mayor Leonora Wong said the reformation center was constructed through a PHP3-million fund given to the municipality by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as its reward for receiving the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).
Wong said the municipal government has augmented the fund by at least PHP2 million to complete the Balay Silangan.
She clarified that the DILG turned over the center to the San Simon LGU and subsequently, they gave it to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for the reformation of drug offenders into self-sufficient and law-abiding members of society.
To formalize the turnover, Mayor Wong and PDEA, represented by incoming PDEA Deputy Director General for Administration Col. Ricardo Santiago, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) witnessed by DILG Provincial Director Myrvi Fabia and other officials.
Under the agreement, the PDEA will act as the enforcement arm of the Bahay Silangan program and provide education on Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and training on preventive education and community involvement.
The San Simon LGU, on the other hand, will ensure that its Anti-Drug Abuse Council will adopt the program of instruction, conduct livelihood programs and attend to other concerns such as ensuring continuing employment opportunities for those who have completed their rehabilitation.
“The reformation program for the reformists is not new to the Simonians as the LGU and the religious sector here initiated the implementation of ‘Bahay Pagbabago’ prior to the establishment of Balay Silangan through the combined efforts of the law enforcers, religious sector plus the cooperation of the ordinary people of the town,” Wong said.
She also said the establishment of Balay Silangan strengthens the town’s intention to become free from all forms of illegal drugs and turn the drug users into productive members of the community.
The mayor said the LGU here, however, cannot do anything without the support of all the stakeholders in the municipality.
“The mayor cannot do it alone. Projects and programs are being accomplished because of you and I. ‘Ikayu at aku ing aslag ning balen’ (You and I are the light of the town”), Wong said.
Santiago, meanwhile, said, “The Balay Silangan Reformation Center welcomes with open arms drug offenders who aspire for a renewed life and have chosen to be on the side of the government rather than help peddle illegal drugs on the streets”.
The Balay Silangan Reformation Center will impart values formation, livelihood training and social norms, in preparation for the reintegration of the reformists to the community, he added.
“Also, the life coaching skills training will prevent them from returning to their old ways,” Santiago said.
He added that they value life and want the former drug offenders to have the opportunity to regain their dignity and place in the society. (/PNA)
