The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Southern Mindanao announced Friday, August 12, the launching of the first "Balay Silangan," a refuge for reforming drug offenders, in Malalag, Davao del Sur.
DILG-11 Regional Director Alex C. Roldan explained that Balay Silangan will help pave the way for the reforming drug offenders to become self-sufficient, law-abiding, and productive members of the society.
He explained that the Balay Silangan reformation program is an alternative intervention for drug personalities who are not eligible for medical treatment and rehabilitation in facilities supervised by the Department of Health (DOH).
The DILG 11 chief said the event was made possible through the efforts of the municipality of Malalag headed by Davao del Sur Governor and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council Peter Paul T. Valentin, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) XI Regional Director Aileen Lovitos, DILG- Malalag Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Michelle T. Encabo; Davao Sur Police Provincial Office (DSPPO) Pol. Lt.Col Imelda Bernasor and other members of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC).
During the event, PDEA XI also awarded certificates to drug cleared barangays namely Brgy. Pitu, Caputian, Bolton, Rizal, Mabini, Kiblagon, New Baclayon and Tagansule.
The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) also handed over livelihood financial assistance to five associations supporting the reformation activities and registered in seven drug-cleared barangays of Bulacan, Poblacion, Baybay, Ibo, San Isidro, Lapu-Lapu and Bagumbayan all in Malalag town.
Other partner stakeholders in the activity include the Technical Education And Skills Development Authority Provincial Training Center, Alternative Learning System- -Malalag District, Davao Sur School of Fisheries, Bolton Farmers Association, Armed Forces of the Philippines-73rd Infantry Battalion, and the religious sector.