GROUNDBREAKING OF BALAY SILANGAN IN MANOLO FORTICH: A NEW DAWN FOR PWUDs

Balay Silangan: Manolo Fortich Rehabilitation Center

As the abuse of illegal drugs continues to afflict the municipality of Manolo Fortich, the Local Government Unit, in collaboration with the National Government, seeks solutions to address the issue and provide support for rehabilitation of Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs). However, the municipality lacks its own rehabilitation center, and the battle against drugs within the community persists.

This year marks the construction of a 2-storey multi-purpose building at Sitio Gaboc, Barangay Lingi-on, Manolo Fortich. The “Balay Silangan” is a reformation program initiated by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), aimed at temporarily sheltering PWUDs and reforming them into self-sufficient, law-abiding members of the community.

The facility spans 270 square meters with a contract amount exceeding ₱9 Million from the Fiscal Year 2024 National Expenditure Program (Basic Infrastructure Program). The project, initiated on February 16, 2024, is anticipated to be operational by July 2024.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 16, 2024, following a small program acknowledging the joint efforts of 1st District of Bukidnon Representative Congressman Jose Manuel F. Alba, Manolo Fortich Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño, and District Engineer Ronaldo C. Pahang of the Department of Public Works and Highways 3rd District Engineering Office. This endeavor is also in collaboration with the Municipal Health Office led by Dr. Joanne Marie Dueñas, who will oversee the management and operations of Balay Silangan.

“Kani nasugdan sa panahon ni Mayor Clive Quiño and the former Congresswoman Malou, ato lang gipadayon ang ilang mga vision para sa atong lungsod. Atong gisuportahan, para masiguro gyud nato nga ang tanang proyekto, ma-utilize sa atong Local Government Unit ug sa katawhan,” Congressman Alba stated.

The project proposal, funding, and preparations for the Balay Silangan project in Manolo Fortich were initiated by former Congresswoman Maria Lourdes Alba, wife of Congressman Jose Manuel Alba. Together with former Municipal Mayor of Manolo Fortich, now Vice Governor Clive D. Quiño of the Province of Bukidnon, they paved the way for its execution.

Municipal Mayor Rogelio Quiño expressed gratitude to Cong. Alba for his support and efforts, emphasizing the project's importance amidst the rampant illegal drug trade in the municipality. “Salamat kaayo Cong. [Joeman Alba] kay imo gyung gitibawas, atong magamit atong Balay Silangan especially karong panahona murag nag daghan ang droga,” Mayor Quiño said.

Dara Eloise L. Quiño

Editor

Date Posted: April 18, 2024

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