First Balay Silangan in RegionI opens in La Union

La Union Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” Ortega III led the inauguration of the first “Bahay Silangan” in Region I, housed at the new Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Satellite Office, in Sta. Barbara, Agoo, La Union on September 12, 2018.
The “Bahay Silangan” is a shelter that offers temporary refuge to surrendered drug personalities. It aims to reform them into self-sufficient and law-abiding members of the society.
Along with the PDEA shelter, Gov. Pacoy also led the inauguration of Agoo Outpatient Drug Rehabilitation Center (AODRC), first Local Government Unit (LGU)-based outpatient rehabilitation facility for victims of illegal drugs in Region I.
Gov. Pacoy expressed support to the project in the combat against illegal drugs. “The campaign against illegal drugs has always been the priority program of the province to help transform the life of the people of La Union,” he said.
Guest of honor in the activity was Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force Usec. Jimmy L. Manabat. He said that the facility provides every surrenderee the second chance that they deserve.  “Illegal drugs should not be the kind of business of the people,” he added.
Also joining Gov. Pacoy and Usec. Manabat were 2nd District Representative Sandra Y. Eriguel, PDEA Regional Director Bryan Babang, Department of Health Regional Assistant Director Dr. Edwin Sanchez, Mayor Stefanie Ann Y. Eriguel, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Hector T. Beñas and other officials.
For the LGU’s part, Mayor Eriguel said the campaign against illegal drugs will remain unrelenting. “Agoo is focused in its campaign in Resiliency, Health, Anti-Illegal Drugs and Against Crime,” Mayor Eriguel said.
The AODRC and the Bahay Silangan are for individuals with substance abuse problem who are keen for self-rehabilitation. The facilities allow the clients to continue working and caring for their family while benefiting from peer-oriented, structured therapeutic program.
The AODRC was the former Agoo Municipal Health Office, which was renovated and re-structured to be a drug rehab center. The AODRC, the PDEA Satellite Office and the Bahay Silangan are located just behind the Municipal Hall. Renerose A. Beninsig, GPC-PHO / ABN

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