Today marks a historic milestone for the Municipality of Santo Tomas, Pangasinan with the inauguration of the Balay Silangan Reformation Center.
The inauguration was led by Mayor Dickerson D. Villar and Vice Mayor Timoteo “Dick” S. Villar III, together with representatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency headed by Julius M. Paderes, PDEA Regional Director; Johnmark Malibiran, PDEA Assistant Regional Director; and Dexter B. Asayco, Provincial Officer IA V, along with other key regional leaders. Also present was Winston Jay-r Cortez, MLGOO. The event was witnessed by municipal officials, barangay officials, the DepEd family, municipal department heads, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
In his message, Mayor Villar recalled the significant contributions of past leaders of Santo Tomas, particularly former Antonio “Bebot” A. Villar Jr., former Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board, in ensuring that the town remains peaceful and drug-free. According to him, because of their efforts, the present and future generations, including him, are now enjoying a safe and peaceful community. He noted that many individuals might have been influenced by illegal drugs if not for the strong foundation laid by these leaders. He further emphasized that while there are currently no personalities involved in illegal drugs from Santo Tomas who would need to undergo rehabilitation at Balay Silangan, the facility will remain open to neighboring towns and provinces that may need its services.
In his message, Vice Mayor Villar reaffirmed their commitment to sustain the peace and drug-free status that Santo Tomas has maintained for nearly three decades, encouraging the people to remain united in preserving this achievement.
Meanwhile, PDEA Regional Director Paderes shared that the story behind the inauguration of Balay Silangan in Santo Tomas is quite unique. He explained that most Balay Silangan facilities are inaugurated in areas where individuals require reform due to illegal drug involvement. However, in the case of Santo Tomas, there are currently no such cases—making it an exceptional example. He also revealed that this facility is the 61st Balay Silangan established and commended Santo Tomas for its continued efforts to maintain its drug-free status and serve as a model for other municipalities.
Prior to the inauguration, an On-site Verification on the Retention of Barangay Drug-Free Status was also conducted in ten barangays of Santo Tomas.
