Siruma, Camarines Sur- The Local Government Unit of Siruma together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Philippine National Police inaugurated their Balay Silangan last May 19, 2023, at Ocean View Village, Gawad Kalinga, Barangay Poblacion, Siruma, Camarines Sur.
According to PDEA-5 Regional Director Edgar Jubay the declaration of the municipality of Siruma as a drug-cleared municipality is pending because they still have seven (7) drug-affected barangays with fifteen (15) personalities for intervention.
Director Jubay also said that one of the requirements for the declaration as a drug-cleared municipality is the establishment of a Balay Silangan.
“One of the reasons why there are still municipalities who do not have yet a balay silangan is because in the old policy it is not mandatory but in the new policy it is already required,” Director Jubay said.
“With the establishment of the Balay Silangan in Siruma, there is a possibility that it can be declared a drug-cleared municipality before the year ends,” he added.
Based on the data given by PDEA Region 5, the Balay Silangan in Siruma is the 9th established Balay Silangan in the province of Camarines Sur, a facility that will serve as a reformation center for drug offenders. Also, this is viewed as an alternative approach to address illegal drug use and help drug offenders or dependents become self-sufficient and law-abiding members of the community.
The inauguration was made possible thru the efforts of the LGU of Siruma spearheaded by Hon. Carina R. Polinga, Municipal Mayor; IA V Mark Anthony M Viray, PDEA Camarines Sur Provincial Officer; PCPT Mark Anthony O. Cledera, OIC, Siruma Municipal Police Station together with Siruma DSWD V headed by Ms. Victoria C Tagum, SWO V Protective Service Division Chief; Mr. Jose Thomas B Riva, MLGOO V-Siruma; PLTCOL Nannie Precy O Alcala, Chief PCAD, CSPPO; Hon. Jewilson E Masaya, Municipal Peace and Order Council; Sgt Rene Espaldon, PB Commander Philippine Army; Rev Fr Ronald T Tud, Parish Priest; Punong Barangays, Person Who Used Drugs (PWUDS) and other stakeholders who attended participated the inauguration and blessings of the Balay Silangan. The activity was also graced by Director Jubay who was the guest of honor and keynote speaker.
