The “Balay Silangan” Reformation Program is an instrument for the reformation of drug personalities who avail of plea bargaining. The program serves as an alternative intervention for drug personalities who are not eligible to be admitted in Treatment and Rehabilitation facilities supervised by the Department of Health (DOH).
The “Balay Silangan” program is spearheaded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) with the LGUs, DILG, DSWD, TESDA, DTI, PNP, AFP as partners/members. It will be an LGU-led program designed to provide family-based in-house reformation for drug offenders based on the concept of “BAHAY- PAGBABAGO”, a Reformation Center.
On May 22, 2018, the “Balay Silangan” Reformation Center was launched in the Municipality of Malungon. It is the first “Balay Silangan” being launched by the PDEA, in coordination with the LGU-Malungon, for the entire Mindanao.
The successful launching of the Balay Silangan in Malungon is attributory to the support and commitment of the municipal government under the leadership of Honorable Mayor, Atty. Maria Theresa D. Constantino and the unwavering support provided by Sarangani Governor, Hon. Steve C. Solon.
The activity was graced by PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino and RPOC XII Chairperson, Governor Datu Pax Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat. It was participated by the top officials of the member agencies namely DILG RD Reynaldo M. Bungubung, CESO IV, PNP-PRO XII RD, PCSUPT. Marcelo Morales, PDEA XII Acting RD Valente G. Cariño, Executive Judge Oscar Noel Jr., of the Justice on Wheels, Gen. Roberto T. Ancan of Philippine Army and other officials from the AFP, agents of the PDEA XII, PNP Provincial Directors in Region XII, employees and officials of the municipal government of Malungon and provincial government of Sarangani. Also in attendance were the incoming drug surrenderers totaled to 1,303.
In her opening message, Hon. Mayor Constantino stressed that municipal government of Malungon, under her leadership, is very committed to the eradicate drugs in the municipality. Coupled with the commitment and concerted efforts of the barangay officials, municipal officials and partner NGAs to combat/deter illegal drugs in the municipality, Malungon has been declared as a Drug-Cleared Municipality.
RPOC XII Chairperson Governor Mangudadatu also gave his inspiring message. He put emphasis on the commitment of the leaders running the country. He said leaders should always serve as a model and inspiration to the younger generations. Religion and poverty should not be a barrier when it comes to serving the people. He encouraged the drug surrenderers to reform and be a partner of the government in serving the community.
PDEA Director General Aquino also shared his experiences in combating drugs during his stint as RD of the PNP-PRO 3. He stressed that the value of the drug users and addicts is worth Php 25.oo and he and his agents would not backed down on the challenges on drugs especially during drug operations. He said that one of his legacies is the conceptualization of the Bahay Pagbabago, as this now being adopted in the new Balay Silangan Program of the government. Now, the chief of the PDEA, he assures that PDEA will not stop in their war against illegal drugs and the agency will continue its efforts to cleanse the barangays until it will be safe and peaceful with the help of the DILG, PNP, AFP and other partners especially the community/people.
(IAN JON S. CLEMENTE)
