The City Government of Isabela, through its City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), organized an orientation program for Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) on September 23, who are set to undergo the Balay Silangan Reformation Program.
The program began with City Administrator Pedrito Eisma delivering his welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of community reformation and rehabilitation in the city’s fight against illegal drugs. This was followed by PECI Officer Darmalyn Jumlail, who provided an orientation on the implementation of the Balay Silangan Program, explaining the steps involved and the expected outcomes of the initiative.
An open forum, facilitated by Assistant POPS/CPOC-CADAC Focal Person Rix La Guardia, allowed PWUDs, including barangay officials, to discuss pressing issues and concerns surrounding the program’s implementation.
Among those present were the Punong Barangays of Tabiawan, Busay, Begang, Menzi, La Piedad, Doña Ramona, and Isabela Proper, as well as PDEA-Isabela City Officer Sharon Ominga, Department of Justice Parole and Probation Administration Probation Officer Jovin Rods Gumalam, PMAJ Ben-Nazhar Abbas, representing Chief of Police Parson Asadil of the PNP-ICPS.
The Balay Silangan Reformation Center aims to provide values formation, livelihood training, and the cultivation of social norms to prepare PWUDs for reintegration into the community as responsible and productive citizens. This program is a vital step in the city’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and reform individuals affected by substance abuse, with the ultimate goal of creating safer and drug-free communities in Isabela City. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by A. Sali, CIO)
