VIGAN CITY, June 28 (PIA)  -- The local government unit (LGU) of Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) inaugurated the fifth Balay Silangan Reformation Center in the province on June 22.

The center located in Barangay Ayusan of the said town was built by the LGU with the support of the PDEA Ilocos Sur to offer temporary refuge to drug surrenderees and capacitate their rehabilitation into self-sufficient and law-abiding members of society.

During the inauguration program, the municipal government and the PDEA led the signing of the manifesto of commitment to formalize a partnership with stakeholders.

These include the Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Rural Health Unit, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Alternative Learning Center and the Parish Pastoral Council.

PDEA Ilocos Sur Provincial Officer Anabel F. Cabarle lauded the LGU Sta. Lucia for its unwavering support to the programs of the agency particularly the inauguration of the Balay Silangan Reformation Center.

“The LGU is currently finalizing the identified clients, the process is on-going since they are still conducting background investigation,” said PDEA Ilocos Sur’s chief Cabarles.

She added that the Balay Silangan is dedicated for the identified pushers who are willing to surrender and cooperate so that they can be distanced from their illegal acts, and to help them reform their lives. (JCR/JPD/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)