The newly-opened "Balay Silangan" reformation center in Gandara, Samar is expected to help ensure that the town retain its "drug-free" designation.
The center, which was formally opened last September 15, will help former drug dependents in town reform their lives and become law-abiding members of society.
“It is important to have a Balay Silangan in Samar because it will give a second chance to people who want to change,” Alison Castorillo, Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) Focal Person of Gandara, was quoted as saying.
“It is important to have a Balay Silangan in Samar because it will give a second chance to people who want to change,” Alison Castorillo, Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) Focal Person of Gandara, was quoted as saying.
The facility will initially house 12 to 15 individuals, with full operations expected by February 2026.
Additionally, the facility built in Gandara is designed to ensure closer local government supervision of reformists’ recovery through tailored programs.
It is also located in a strategic position that enhances the facility’s accessibility to nearby communities.
The Reformation Center, described as a “home for change and new hope,” will provide value formation, livelihood training, health services, and spiritual guidance to help former drug users reintegrate into society.
While mainly serving Gandara residents, the facility may also support nearby towns through formal agreements.
“The establishment of this facility was made possible through the unity of many agencies and local leaders, each contributing support to make the facility safe and ready for reformists,” said Castorillo.
Municipal records indicate that Gandara has 69 barangays and is currently engaged in ongoing anti-drug efforts.
Of these, 22 are affected by drugs: 20 declared drug-cleared in 2023, 2 in 2024, and none remain as of February 2025. The remaining 47 barangays are unaffected: 45 confirmed drug-free in 2023, 2 in 2024. All barangays are now drug-free.
(With report from PIA)
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