In a bid to transform the lives of its drug surrenderers, Brooke’s Point inaugurated Friday, January 10, its Balay Silangan Reformation Center.
Cecil Castelar, Administrative Officer V and focal person of Brooke’s Point Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), told Palawan Daily News (PDN) this is a national program downloaded to the local government units (LGUs) in the country.
Castelar said Balay Silangan has 21 former drug pushers and user who are enrolled comprised of a female and 20 males.
“Bale ito ay in partnership with PNP and other stakeholders. Meron kaming mga pastors, tulung-tulong, merong about spiritual. Hindi lang LGU pati ‘yong religious sector, PNP, Philippine Marines and others,” said Castelar.
“We are expecting talaga na mare-reform sila pagka-labas nila dito,” added Castelar.
She said the program’s current location in Barangay Pangobilian is only the program’s temporary venue. The program will soon continue to promote reforming the lives of the surrenders at the facility of the Bureau of Jail and Penology (BJMP) in the town.
Castelar said the operation started right after the launching Friday and will last for 31 days through the combined efforts of different concerned agencies.
She said the whole process will also include livelihood trainings to be followed by close monitoring.
Castellar said further that the local government of Brooke’s Point will not only provide all the daily needs of the surrenderers during the reformation process, but has also extended help to their families.