Olango drug reform center inaugurated

CEBU, Philippines — The Lapu-Lapu City government formally opened the Balay Silangan Drug Reformation Center on Olango Island on Saturday, July 18, marking the establishment of a facility that will provide community-based rehabilitation services for individuals recovering from illegal drug use.

The inauguration was attended by Mayor Ma. Cynthia King-Chan, Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Rep. Junard Chan, city councilors Emilio Galaroza Jr. and Annabeth Cuizon, Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Director Col. Agosto Daskeo, City of Lapu-Lapu Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (CLOSAP) head Garry Lao, officials from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), members of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), and barangay captains from Olango Island.

According to the city government, the facility will cater to qualified plea bargainers and individuals eligible for community-based rehabilitation under existing anti-drug programs.

The center will provide counseling, values formation, psychosocial support, skills training, and livelihood programs aimed at helping participants recover from drug dependence and reintegrate into their communities.

In her speech, King-Chan said the effectiveness of the program would be measured by its long-term impact on the lives of those who undergo rehabilitation.

“Public service is measured not only by the programs we begin, but by the lives we are able to influence over time. I hope that Balay Silangan becomes a place where individuals are encouraged to accept responsibility, restore their confidence, strengthen family relationships, and prepare for meaningful participation in society,” she said.

The opening of the facility follows the turnover of a P5-million grant from the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) to the Lapu-Lapu City government on June 30.

The financial assistance was turned over by DDB Chairperson and Secretary Oscar Valenzuela to support the establishment, expansion, and operation of the Balay Silangan Drug Reformation Center.

Balay Silangan is a community-based drug reformation program that aims to help low-risk drug offenders and qualified participants through rehabilitation, counseling, and skills development as part of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs. — (FREEMAN)