KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – The Balay Silangan, operated by the provincial government of South Cotabato, continues to accept former drug dependents who have court-issued orders for reformation.
Balay Silangan is a government-run reformatory center established to offer recovery services to eligible individuals who have previously struggled with drug dependency.
Established in 2019, Balay Silangan in South Cotabato offers a comprehensive development program that includes devotional activities, counseling, livelihood skills training, and capital assistance for clients who are interested in starting small businesses.
The facility operates in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other government agencies for its operations.
The center is currently accessible only to residents of South Cotabato who have received a mild evaluation for drug dependency and possess a court referral, according to Community Affairs Officer Earl Rey C. Madres of the provincial government.
“Marami talaga ang nabigyan ng ikalawang pagkakataon dahil sa Balay Silangan,” Madres said.
(Balay Silangan has genuinely provided many individuals with a second chance.)
The facility currently accommodates 17 inpatients and eight outpatients, with a total capacity of 40 clients. All services provided are completely free of charge.
To ensure that only qualified individuals are admitted, Madres stated that they are conducting thorough background checks on clients before acceptance, as those included in any drug watch lists by the Philippine National Police or PDEA will be disqualified.
In the Bahay Silangan, Madres noted that many clients display noticeable improvements in their physical health and family relationships.
He emphasized that the center also monitors graduates in their communities to ensure their continued recovery and reintegration.
“Paglabas nila, mas malaki ang posibilidad na babalik sila sa tamang landas at maging produktibong miyembro ng komunidad,” he pointed out.
(Once released, these individuals have a greater chance of returning to the right path and becoming productive members of the community.)
The core mission of Balay Silangan is to assist clients in reintegrating into society as productive and law-abiding citizens, Madres told the Philippine Information Agency. (CRM, PIA Region 12)
