The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced that a total of 10,540 drug personalities have participated in the government's Balay Silangan Reformation Program, with 2,798 graduates securing employment or livelihood opportunities as of May 2026.
Program Expansion and Impact
Since its launch in 2018, the Balay Silangan program has established 650 operational centers nationwide, covering nearly 40 percent of the country's 1,645 local government units (LGUs). PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez emphasized the program's success in transforming lives. “Balay Silangan shows that recovery and positive change are possible. With the support of local governments, communities, and partner agencies, we help individuals rebuild their lives, strengthen family relationships, and become productive members of society,” Nerez said in a news release on Sunday.
Regional Performance
Central Luzon (Region III) recorded the highest number of graduates with 2,050, followed by the Ilocos Region (Region I) with 1,344, and Northern Mindanao (Region X) with 1,051. The Bicol Region (Region V) achieved the highest LGU participation, with close to 89.47 percent of its cities and municipalities establishing Balay Silangan centers.
Recent Graduates and Employment
From July 2022 to May 2026, the program produced 5,872 graduates, surpassing the 4,668 graduates recorded from 2018 to June 2022. It has also successfully supported 1,547 clients in securing stable employment or sustainable livelihood opportunities. The Balay Silangan Reformation Program continues to serve as a key community-based rehabilitation initiative, providing individuals affected by illegal drugs with opportunities for recovery, personal development, and reintegration into society, PDEA said.
