DAVAO ORIENTAL — With a fervent desire to transform their lives free from the harmful effects of illegal drugs, fifty-five (55) Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) marked the completion of their six-month rehabilitation and treatment at the Balay Silangan: Bagong Bahay Para sa Bagong Buhay Reformation and Outreach Drop-in Center during a graduation ceremony on Monday, March 29, 2021, at the Honey’s Hotel, City of Mati.
The graduates comprise twenty-five Outpatient Treatment Program clients and three in-patients who belong to the third batch. Meanwhile, twenty-seven outpatients comprising the fourth batch are beneficiaries of the government’s plea-bargaining deal.
These individuals underwent a series of comprehensive rehabilitation activities, including psychological, spiritual, physical activities, counseling sessions, moral recovery, values formation, personal and life skills, continued education, and various livelihood training.
Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, who led the ceremony, expressed his delight to witness the graduates who persisted despite the sacrifices and hardships they encountered along their transformation process.
The Governor also asked the clients to continue “walking on the right path filled with light and away from the darkness brought by illegal drugs.”
During the ceremony, awards and certificates were handed over to the graduates. Meanwhile, the PWUDs shared their gratitude and testimonies.
“I am thankful for the government and the people behind this program who become the instruments to change me for the better. Today, I have been given a great relief knowing that I have regained the trust of my family and even my neighbors who were once filled with much dismay from me,” said Alan, one of the PWUD graduates.
Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) Action Officer Ronald T. Vidoy said that since Balay Silangan’s first operation, it has already produced a total of 171 Outpatient clients and 13 In-patient clients.
In addition, the province of Davao Oriental continues to intensify its drug-clearing efforts. Currently, there are already 154 barangays that are drug-cleared, 5 of which are drug-free, while the 24 are in the process of drug clearing, which is targeted to be cleared by the second quarter of 2022.
Through a virtual message, the Chairman Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Secretary Catalino S. Cuy acknowledged the efforts of the province of Davao Oriental for another milestone for practicing the call of the nation’s campaign against drugs. He assured that the DDB will provide its full support to all the programs and activities in the province, contributing to a drug-free and peaceful community.
The provincial government-run Balay Silangan managed by the JJV Behavioral Management Center, is a facility designed to reform drug offenders into productive and law-abiding community members. This was made possible through the efforts and collaboration of concerned agencies and local government units which are all crucial for the successful implementation of the program.
Also gracing the ceremony were the CEO of JJVBMC Jerry Joseph Valderrama who presented the candidates, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Davao Oriental Provincial Officer IA3 Eleazar Arapoc, who relayed the congratulatory message of PDEA XI Regional Director Aileen Lovitos, Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office (DOPPO) Provincial Director Police Colonel Efren E. Orlina, 701st Brigade Commander Brigadier General Oliver C. Maquiling represented by Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert F. Gomez, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Orle Cabaobao. | By Mark Oliver Alvite
