“As the Governor of this province, I commit to making the most of Ma’am Cora’s remaining term entrusted to me by God to become an instrument of help to you and many others,” Governor Niño Sotero L. Uy, Jr. said to the graduates of the Balay Silangan during the graduation ceremony.
Earlier today, Governor Uy congratulated the 15 outpatient clients who successfully completed the 21-day Rural Based Reformation Program under the Bagong Bahay Para sa Bagong Buhay – A Balay Silangan Reformation and Outreach Drop-in Center at Sitio Magay, Don Martin Marundan, City of Mati.
Governor Uy lauded the clients for taking a big step for transformation, stressing that the government, along with the help of various partners and agencies, is always ready to lend a hand to uplift the quality of life of every individual. “We could not do all of these alone, we need partners (including the J.J. Valderrama Behavioral Management Center) whom we can link up with to make our services become more achievable.”
Governor Uy, in his message, assured the graduates that their welfare is a priority. “I only ask you to help us in this battle by openly sharing your experiences with all your friends who might still be involved with drugs. Let your story also serve as a warning to the young ones. And lastly, we should remain steadfast in our prayers and faith in God to help us change.
Alias Bobong, a former teacher who was once addicted to the scourge of illegal drugs, shared his testimony. “Drug addiction led me to unimaginable and dreadful situations. The pain was far greater when I realized my mistake involved the life of my loved ones — my daughter, my wife, and my entire family. It was really at my lowest and darkest point in life knowing I almost took away their happiness,” he said.
Now a graduate of the province’s Drug Rehabilitation Program through the Balay Silangan, Bobong expressed his thanks to the government. “Despite our misdeeds, the government never neglected and left us behind,” he added.
Through the province’s anti-drugs program, the graduates have undergone a series of comprehensive rehabilitation activities, including psychological, spiritual, and physical activities, counseling sessions, moral recovery, values formation, personal and life skills, continued education to be reintegrated back into the community and is set to report to Balay Silangan for five (5) months aftercare and monitoring.
The clients were also given certificates of recognition for special awards for their exemplary accomplishments during their learning process. Other Persons who Used Drugs (PWUDs) also shared their gratitude and testimonies.
Present during the graduation to express words of challenge to the Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) was the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s Committee Chairperson on Dangerous or Illegal Drugs Board Member Benjie Bulaong and a representative from the (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) PDEA Davao Oriental Provincial Office.
PADAC Action Officer BGEN Leopoldo A. Imbang, Jr. (Ret.) was delighted to see a new batch of graduates, noting that he looks forward to seeing their reintegration back into the community.
Gracing the ceremony were the CEO of JJVBMC Jerry Joseph Valderrama, who presented the candidates, the Action Officer of City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) of Mati City J/Col Jose Moring, Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office (DOPPO) Provincial Director Police Colonel Francis Donald Brillante, Lt. Col. Julio Binuhi representing 701st Brigade Commander Brigadier General Oliver Maquiling. ʙʏ ᴍᴀʀᴋ ᴏʟɪᴠᴇʀ ᴀʟᴠɪᴛᴇ
