TUPI, SOUTH COTABATO- The Provincial Government of South Cotabato formally opened the Balay Silangan Reformatory Center at Purok A, Poblacion, Tupi South Cotabato, earlier this week.
This center aims to provide holistic approach among its clients through various programs and activities which will be intervene by different program of Government line agencies.
At least Forty-three (43) male and three (3) female clients who availed of the plea-bargain agreement will be undergoing the 3-month reformatory program that includes continuing education, skills and livelihood training, health awareness activities, psychological, spiritual, physical activities, and moral recovery values formation.
“Balay silangan is a Reformation program takes a home centered approach that would convince drug offenders to give themselves a second chance in life”. PDEA RO XII Regional Director Naravy D. Duquiatan said during the acceptance ceremony.
This is to facilitate them and make them comfortable since the management will use the home based approach.
Jonathan N. Jovero is the Center Management of South Cotabato Balay Silangan.
“Before the 46 clients of balay silangan entered this center, nagkaroon po tayo ng drug testing. Unfortunately, one (1) of the clients tested positive and nagpapaslamat kami this 46 clients tested negative for the use of dangerous drugs”. Director Duquiatan added.
“When we say Rehabilitation Center you will be treated, you will be rehabilitated. However, in Balay Silangan you will be reformed, gusto niyong magbago”. Dir. Duquiatan clarifies.
On the other hand, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr continuous in appealing the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to fast track the approval of the Balay Silangan Reformatory Center Memorandum of Agreement to the DSWD-12 and LGU-Tupi so that the Government of South Cotabato can operate their own and can no longer send our constituents to undergo such program in Cagayan for intervention.
“We need to decongest the provincial jail, if the there is a court order that they are subject for reformation program we have to bring them to Cagayan and the government will allocate 6,000 per month per person and 36,000 for 6 months”. Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. said during the ceremony.
It is expected that by today the SP can decide whether to approve or not, but Governor Tamayo assures the public that the operation will not be affected since LGU-Tupi thru Mayor Romeo Tamayo pledge for support.
Different National line agencies and private sectors present shows pledge of support and intervention to the program of Provincial Government of South Cotabato such as PDEA XII, LGU Tupi, DTI, TESDA, DA-ATI, So. Cot. Parole and Probation, 27th IB, So. Cot. Police Provincial Office, DEPED, DSWD, Biolife, and DOLE Philippines.
