DAVAO ORIENTAL – All is set for the opening of the Balay Silangan Reformatory Center for drug dependents in the province of Davao Oriental.
It will take only the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the provincial government and JJ Valderama Behavioral and Management Center to be signed to signal the start of the facility’s operation.
JJ Valderama Bahavioral and Management Center is a private facility whose vision is making and strengthening collaborations for behavioral growth and transformation.
“We have two components of the program, while following structured program of activities. We are very happy to be given the chance to provide our services to those who need us,” explained Ms. Marilou Rodriguez of JJ Valderama.
She enumerated the process of reformation, that includes treatment, discharge from the facility, and the aftercare.
“We are using different approaches in our treatment. Remember, the treatment depends on the problem of the client. On the first two months we will make focus on our clients, and in the succeeding months, we will include the family. The family plays a vital role in the treatment since their acceptance to their member triggers the desire to change,” she added.
Prov’l Anti Drug Abuse Council(PADAC) Action Officer Art Benjie Bulaong expressed his thanks to JJ Valderama for being with the province in this endeavor.
“This is very convenient for us since this will definitely lessen the burden, especially with the expertise from their manpower. Other private facilities are charging 45 thousand pesos monthly per client. But they are only charging Davao Oriental 15 thousand pesos per month. Also, Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang ordered no deprivation of assistance to the clients,” he said.
Once the Memorandum of Agreement is signed, JJ Valderama Center will start with 10 clients already waiting for admission.
The partnership is expected to fast track all efforts towards a drug-free Davao Oriental, as envisioned by Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang, and this was best described by Bulaong as “doable”.
The facility is strategically located in Sitio Magay, Brgy. Don Marundan, City of Mati. Photos by: Eden Jhan Licayan
