The first of the new batch of Bahay Silangan here has been completed and ready for occupancy.
Mayor Marcelo Padilla and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Cordillera director Gil Cesario Castro Friday formally opened the Balay Silangan Reformation Center in Daguioman that will now have a place for reformation of drug personalities.
The shelter will serve as a halfway house for drug offenders to help them reform, the PDEA – Cordillera said during the formal opening attended by partner agencies such as the local Police Provincial Office of Abra, TESDA, the Departments of Trade and Industry, Education, Social Welfare and Development and Labor and Employment.
The project is in support of the Executive Order JN-02 of Gov. Joy Bernos, mandating the establishment of Balay Silangan Reformation Centers in all municipalities of Abra.
The center in Daguioman is the fourth municipality to establish its Balay Silangan in Abra after the local government of Bucay, Danglas, and Tayum.
Bernos’ EO was signed in January 22 where rehab centers called Balay Silangan will be established in the remaining 24 towns of the province.
Bernos in her order wrote said the establishment of Bahay Silangan or rehabilitation center in each municipality that shall shelter and cater to drug personalities, provide intervention, counseling and livelihood training.”
The PDEA – Cordillera earlier said: “Again (Gov. Bernos) showed her unwavering support in the agency’s barangay drug clearing program by issuing an Executive Order mandating the establishment of Balay Silangan in all municipalities of Abra for the reformation of drug personalities in the province.”
PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva earlier said: “No one should die. No one should be imprisoned. Rehabilitation is what one needs to have a better life for those addicted (to drugs).”