Drug consumption has been a hotly contested issue in the society over the years. Despite its adverse effects, there are still people who are unable to control their urge in using this abused substance. Some use it for leisure. Some avail it for work. Worst is, some use it for living without knowing that instead of earning, they bury themselves in danger.

The Municipal Government of Moncada headed by Hon. Mayor Estelita M. Aquino, believes that a person who had taken the wrong road could still be reformed. Hence, the local government had joined in the campaign of making Moncada a “Drug Free” municipality. And this has made Balay Silangan come to rise.

Thirty-five (35) reformists from the different barangays of the municipality have surrendered themselves in hopes of a promised renewed life. They will be staying on this temporary refuge for 30 starting today, July 6, 2021 and will undergo physical and mental health awareness and psychological/spiritual/physical activities such as counselling, moral recovery, values formation, livelihood trainings from TESDA, personal and life skills which will transform them into a self-sufficient and law abiding citizens.

More than this, what makes Moncada’s Balay Silangan even more interesting is the financial assistance granted to the reformists. On the Ceremonial Awarding, they were given P5000.00 each for their families as “ayuda” while they are undergoing “a meaningful vacation.”Aside from these, different barangays from the municipality have received certificates of being a drug cleared barangay, pursuant to the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing Program Resolution No 110, series of 2021. These barangays were assessed and validated pertinent to their compliance with the parameters as enumerated in Section 8, DDB Board Regulation no. 3, series of 2017.

The event was graced by different personalities whose fingers are crossed on the reformists’ strong commitment to changing their lives. They were: Hon. Susan A. Yap, Governor of Tarlac; Martin A. Francia, Assistant Regional Director- PDEA Region III; Marites M. Maristela, Regional Director- DSWD Region III; PLt Col. Ma. Theresa G. Pugay, DPDA-Tarlac; Engr. John Adawey, TESDA-PD; Glenn M. Guillermo, Balay SIlangan Focal Person; IO I Ronamel N. Reyes, Provincial Barangay Drug Clearing Officer; IO V Louie D. Lagasca, Chief, Administrative Region PDEA-Region III; Vice Mayor Jaime O. Duque and the heads of the LGU’s different departments and other government officials who have signed in the Manifesto of Commitment.

“Maswerte tayo at meron tayong proyektong ganto sa kabila ng pandemyang ito. Napakahirap magbudget ng pera ngayon sa gobyerno pero we are lucky because Mayor Aquino has searched for ways.” Governor Yap said.

“Tulungan nyo ang sarili nyo gaya ng pagtulong sa atin ng ating local na pamahalaan,” she added.#BalaySilangan #BalaySilanganMoncada#BalaySilanganReformationCenter