DAVAO ORIENTAL – A new one-storey building is set to be constructed at the Davao Oriental’s Balay Silangan Bagong Bahay Para sa Bagong Buhay Drug Reformation Center as the Provincial Government spearheaded a groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility on Monday, August 19.
Situated at the Provincial Government-owned lot in Sitio Magay, Don Martin Marundan in the City of Mati, the additional building will house the administrative office, pantry, mess hall, and lecture area.
The Provincial Government has earmarked P 1.2 million pesos for the project, of which P 400,000 counterpart fund was provided by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) which also donated one of the two existing buildings at the rehabilitation center.
Provincial Administrator and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) Action Officer Art Benjie Bulaong said that this new facility is set to make the operation of the rehabilitation facility more efficient while boosting the care for drug reformists.
Weeks prior Monday’s groundbreaking, the operation of the Balay Silangan Drug Reformation Center has already started.
Mr. Bulaong said that the entire structure was originally designed to be a 40-bed capacity facility. “For now, we have a capacity of 20 patients in-patients but we can accommodate as many as we can for the out-patient,” he said.
At present, the Balay Silangan is catering 36 out-patient clients while currently assessing 10 individuals for in-patient treatment.
While most of the clients are those who have been granted the plea-bargaining agreement set by the guidelines of the Department of Justice and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, these clients underwent several weeks of assessment, background investigation, health assessment before they are enrolled to the program.
Operated by the private service provider JJ Valderama Behavioral Management Center (JJVBMC), the facility currently caters patients who have low to moderate drug affectation. While those with severe affectation are referred to more advanced facilities in Davao City.
Meanwhile, as the rehabilitation program requires the patients to shell out a minimal amount, the Provincial Government is also providing subsidy assistance for the patients on top of the affordable rates the center has set.
“It’s close to free because we really want true reformation of our drug reformists. Paying a small amount also gives the patients a sense of ownership. Because if we provide it entirely for free, there is tendency that they will not get serious or they may not complete the entire treatment,” Mr. Bulaong said, adding that patients are saving a lot compared to the amount they would have spent for treatment in private institutions.
Mr. Jerry Joseph C. Valderrama, Chief Executive Officer of JJVBMC who has been working on the field of addiction treatment for 20 years, takes the management of the facility as a privilege to serve those who have been suffering from the consequences of drug addiction. “I know it is a significant commitment but we are all prepared to serve along with our multi-disciplinary team to help our clients recover,” he said.
“I really believe that recovery is really possible if and when we have the right programs to give our clients,” he added.
PDEA XI Regional Director Antonio Rivera lauded the Province of Davao Oriental for another welcome development in the effort to fight the drug menace, this time focusing on demand and harm reduction.
“That’s what unique in Davao Oriental. It is always first. It’s the first to implement the Community-based Rehabilitation and Aftercare Program. It is also first in term of the implementation of drug clearing program and most importantly it is the first to have established a Balay Silanagan in the region. We are proud of it,” said Dir. Rivera. By Karen Lou Deloso/Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan
