"Balay Silangan" in Cagayan gives 14 drug offenders a chance to change

Lasam, Cagayan – Around 14 surrendered drug offenders who underwent reformation through the “Balay Silangan” program of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were awarded certificates of completion from the Local Government Unit (LGU) on August 4, 2021.

The program aims to reform drug offenders into self-sufficient and law-abiding members of the society by helping them to overcome their former selves and move towards building a brand new start. The 14 reformists were awarded for completing the reformation activities inside the Bahay Silangan for 30 days. These activities include livelihood skills training by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and continuous bible study from the priests of Lasam Interfaith Association (LIFA), to help them strengthen their beliefs and rebuild their lives.

Police Brigadier General Steve B. Ludan led the awarding which was also attended by PDEA Region II Director Christy E. Silvan, Mayor Dexter A. Agatep, Police Major Reynaldo A. Viernes, Police Brigadier General Steve B. Ludan, LGU officials, Police Colonel Ronnie L. Naira, the Barangay officials and the family of the 14 reformists.

Mayor Dexter A. Agatep, in a message, encouraged the participants to apply what they have learned to renew their lives and get back to mainstream society.

“Sapay kuma ta adda naadalda ket agbalin da a partner ti gobyerno a mangkibin kadagiti ububbing a maiwawa wennu masulsulisug kadagiti maiparit a droga,”Agatep said.

According to Neil Edrian Agatep Soliven of LGU-Lasam, the reformists started their journey for change last July 2, 2021, after the Inauguration and launching of the Bahay Silangan.

Balay Silangan Reformation Program

The Bahay Silangan is a community-based reformation program that aims to rehabilitate surrendered drug personalities across the country. It builds temporary shelters for drug offenders along with a promise of renewed life.

It is mandatory for every local government unit (LGU) to have a reformation center based on the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) regulation.

Said program was launched and spearheaded by PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino, which was approved and adopted on January 24, 2018.

According to the PDEA Director, there are specific conditions for eligibility to the program that must be met by surrendering drug personalities.

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