Lapu plans to build reformation center for drug surrenderees

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan discusses the city’s plan to build a reformation center for drug pushers and drug surrenderers with the heads of concerned agencies. | Photo courtesy of Gary Lao

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines- The Lapu-Lapu City Government is planning to establish a reformation center for drug pushers and drug surrenderees.

Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan met today, May 6 with City of Lapu-Lapu Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (CLOSAP) head Garry Lao and City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) head Annabeth Cuizon to discuss the said plan, together with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 regional director Levi Ortiz.

Lao said that the reformation center will be called “Balay Silangan,” which is one strategy of PDEA and the national government.

“It is intended for (drug) surrenderers who fall under the pushers’ category as it is mandatory for every local government unit to have a reformation center based on the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) regulation,” Lao said on his Facebook post.

The city is also eyeing the House of Hope facility, a DOH accredited center in Barangay Gun-ob, to become the “Balay Silangan.” However, a letter of intent and memorandum of agreement (MOA) is needed for it to be realized.

On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, some members of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council has visited the said facility.

“If it will push through, drug pushers will undergo a reformation program at the center for at least three months. One month will be the mandatory in-house and the rest will be a combination of in-house and livelihood training, among others,” Lao added.

During the meeting, Ortiz said that LGUs need not construct new buildings for the “Balay Silangan”, instead they just have to follow the program of instructions.   /rcg