ROSELLER T. LIM, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Zamboanga Peninsula recently inaugurated Balay Silangan Reformation Center in the town of Roseller T. Lim (RT Lim), dedicated to the rehabilitation of drug reformers.

Balay Silangan is a reformative rehabilitation initiative offering intervention for qualified pushers who have surrendered and plea bargainers not meeting the eligibility criteria for admission into the Community-Based Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Program. The program also encompasses the reintegration of these individuals back into their communities.

PDEA Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office also conducted an orientation for 35 beneficiaries to compose the first batch.

“Jun,” not his real name, a drug surrenderee, expressed his appreciation for the initiative and is committed to undergo the training and rehabilitation processes offered by the program. 

“I am very thankful for this program because it gives a chance to people like me to become better individuals, and at the same time, I will be able to gain skills from the training,” Jun said.

A memorandum of agreement and a manifesto of commitment were signed by the local government unit of RT Lim, PDEA-9, DILG-9, and PRO-9 that formalized the collaborative effort to ensure the success of the Balay Silangan Reformation Center. The initiative signifies the dedication of all parties involved in the rehabilitation and reform of individuals struggling with drug dependency.

The program offers interventions like continuing education, health awareness, and various psychological, spiritual, and physical activities. Additionally, livelihood and skills training programs, such as soap making, massage training, basic carpentry, welding, and haircutting, among others, are provided to create employment opportunities for the reformers.

This endeavor marks a crucial step in the rehabilitation of individuals affected by substance abuse. The collaborative effort and commitment expressed by both participants and stakeholders promise a transformative journey towards empowerment, skill development, and societal reintegration. (KSA/RVC/EDT/RBI/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)